Aptos Times: January 1, 2024

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January 1, 2024 • Vol 33 No. 1

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Valencia Fourth Graders Create Scores of Knit Beanies

Sarah Leonard, a fourth grade teacher at Valencia Elementary in Aptos, shares this heart-felt project by her students, who have knit scores of beanies this year.

Full Story page 5

Our Community Reads: The Monk of Mokha Full Story page 6

Life & Death at Cape Disappointment

EDITOR’S NOTE: Chris D’Amelio, 49, who grew up in Aptos,

wrote a book about his Coast Guard duty at Cape Disappointment, Washington State, with help from Reid Maruyama, 33, an Aptos High alum and his wife Courtney’s cousin.

The book came out in 2021, and the book tour was

cancelled due to Covid. Life & Death at Cape Disappointment is full of drama. The 224-page paperback is $19.95 at Bookshop Santa Cruz and Amazon.com. Could a film be next? Mar Vista Entertainment has rented the rights for 18 months. ... continued on page 4

If You Left Aptos, Where Would You Go?

An anonymous query the week before Christmas on the Aptosia Facebook page asked this question: If you moved away from this area (with its ocean beaches and beautiful sunsets) where would you go?

Full Story page 9

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A Heartfelt Thank You For A Wonderful 2023

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the pillars of my journey, cherished family, supportive friends and valued clients.

Wishing you and yours health and happiness as we head into 2024.

May the coming year be full of grand adventures and opportunities.

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No. 1

Volume 33

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Table of Contents

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Personalized

Campus Tours January 17 | 2:00-3:30pm

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Cover Life & Death at Cape Disappointment

5 6 8

9 10 12 13 15 16 17 19 23 27

Community News Why Not Knit?: Valencia Elementary Fourth Graders Create Scores of Knit Beanies, By Jondi Gumz Our Community Reads: The Monk of Mokha, By Denise Ward Former Hospital Executives Face Accusations of Financial Mismanagement,

By Jondi Gumz • Metro Awarded $2 Million for Affordable Rentals at Watsonville Transit Center If You Left Aptos, Where Would You Go?, By Jondi Gumz Acosta Chosen PVUSD Board President • Helping Displaced Farmworkers PVUSD Announces Mar Vista Academic Coordinator • Syda Cogliati Chosen Presiding Judge Doctors Object to 2024 Medicare Pay Cut; Panetta Aims to Block It, By Jondi Gumz Meet Honey-Do Proprietors Free National Park Pass for Fourth Graders SCCRTC Names Mitch Weiss Interim Executive Director • Dominican Provides $750,000 for Youth in Crisis January: Positive Parenting Month Events • Survey: Retirees Plan to Go Back to Work Amanita Muscaria Junior Sanctuary Stewards Graduate

National News 7 Rep. Panetta Backs Tax Credit to Help Renters 25 Congressional Reps Target FAA for Noise Reform Letter to the Editor 10 Questions About County Sales Tax Vote California News 20 Looking for Hospital Prices? Federal Law May Help • State to Transfer 40 Acres in Inyo County to Paiute Tribe Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – The Year that Was, from Earth to Air, & the Magic & Gifts of Each Sign, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

22 24 30 31

Featured Columnists Want to Stop an Airline Merger? Here’s How, By Christopher Elliott New Song: Good News, Great Joy Reflections on my 11th Year, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District CARE: One Year Later, By Carla Christensen SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Christmas Gingerbread!

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COVER STORY editor

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contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Denise Ward, Risa D’Angeles, Christopher Elliott, Zach Friend, Carla Christensen

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“Life & Death” from page 1

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Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

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Excerpt by Christopher J. D’Amelio with Reid Maruyama ear 1400 hours (2:00 p.m.), my crew and I took the 23-foot utility lifeboat out for patrol.

I had two other boat crewmen with me, both fairly new to the station and green, untrained.

We were keeping watch on pleasure boats and fishermen around the Columbia River Bar when we got a call from the communications room about an hour later that a boy and girl had fallen off the cliff at the North Head Lighthouse a half mile north of the mouth of the river.

It was the summer of 2004. I was six years into my tour at Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Washington. I don’t remember the specific date — probably because I have chosen not to — and I’ve never felt the need to go back and find out. I didn’t know it then, but this case would be one of the last I would ever work out of Cape Disappointment for the US Coast Guard, and the one that pushed me toward my decision to transfer to Station Siuslaw in Florence, Oregon.

It was late summer, August or early September, near the end of salmon season.

Hundreds of recreational salmon boats were out fishing past the Bar, where the water was calm and flat. By noon, the heat had burned off the fog and it was turning out to be a nice day, 70 degrees, not a lot of wind.

The summers in Cape Disappointment, Washington, are traditionally the busiest time of year, especially for the Coast Guard. In the offseason it is a quiet Pacific Coast fishing town, but in summer it becomes a popular tourist destination for vacationers who enjoy the water and want to fish and swim. This makes it the time of year when search-and-rescue stations are most active: Even though the weather is mild, anything can happen when hundreds of

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Chris with his children Mia, Matthew and Taylor

pleasure crafts and recreational salmon boats are out on the water, so we perform what is called a Recreational Boating Safety Patrol where we essentially drive around the Bar and up and down and along the coastline, watching, waiting, on standby.

Tourists and visitors are often unaware that the ocean never takes a break, even during nice weather. People underestimate it on beautiful days and are humbled by its immense power on stormy days. Those of us in the Coast Guard see it year-round and learn to respect and cope with its changing personality, from gentle swells to boat-busting breakers. And back in 2004, when the kids fell off the cliff, we Coast Guard officers at Cape Disappointment did our best to help everyone who underestimated the wind, currents, waves, and risks as mundane as slipping off a jetty. We had never considered closing the area to boats when the waves and currents made navigation treacherous; we just did our jobs the best way we knew how.

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From the tip of the North Jetty to the tip of the South Jetty, the Columbia River Bar is two miles wide. The station at Cape Disappointment is located on the northern peninsula in Baker Bay, on the Washing- ton side of the river. The station’s geographical jurisdiction ranges about fifty miles along the coast, from Ocean Park, Washington, to Tillamook Head, Oregon, and fifty nautical miles out to sea. But when I was on patrol that day, the most significant event I had experienced happened right on the shore, under our noses, and its impact would reverberate through my life for many years afterward.

That day, we took the boat out of the harbor and around the A Jetty. We drove out to the Bar, right along the shoreline, where people were fishing off the rocks. The water was already crowded with boats, kayaks, swimmers, and surfers. Some children on the North Jetty ran after the boat, waving to us as we passed. Even though fishermen tend to have a lot of luck catching salmon here, it can be a very dangerous spot to fish. Walking on the large rocks that make up the jetty, people have been known to slip or get swept out to sea by a large wave.

Over my seven years of service at Cape Disappointment, I can recall at least four or five cases where we pulled someone out of the water who had fallen off the North Jetty. At least two were floaters — dead bodies. One was a kid.

When we got the call about the boy and girl who’d fallen from the cliff at the lighthouse, we were patrolling a mile or so from the North Jetty, in the Buoy 10 Fishery, where most of the salmon boats gather in the summer. The watchstander got a phone call from either a park ranger or someone in distress. There wasn’t much information to go off of.

“This is UTL five-eight-zero,” I said over the radio. “Roger.”

“Looks like we got a couple people in the water,” Comms said. “Over by the North Head Lighthouse. Over.”

“Roger that,” I said.

“Looks like two children,” Comms said.

“Life & Death” page 14

Why Not Knit?

COMMUNITY NEWS

Valencia Elementary Fourth Graders Create Scores of Knit Beanies

S

By Jondi Gumz

arah Leonard, a fourth grade teacher at Valencia Elementary in Aptos, shares this heart-felt project by her students, who have knit scores of beanies this year.

They knit for 15 to 20 minutes a day while she reads aloud, currently Wonder by RJ Pallacio.

You can see the math for this class of 32, donating 20 to Grey Bears, 20 to Dominican Hospital, 20 to Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Services, and 30 to Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center.

The students give away the first and second hats they make, keep the third, give away the fourth and fifth and keep the sixth, always multiples of three.

Leonard said they often give them to siblings, parents, or baby cousins, spreading the love.

The donation to Grey Bears came after a behind-the-scenes field trip to the Grey Bears nonprofit thrift store in Santa Cruz.

“This philanthropic endeavor was inspired about 15 years ago by a student

named Zarius in Ms. Brown’s class, who learned about ‘Knitting for Neighbors’ at his church,” Leonard explained.

Another teacher, Ms. Freya Rasmussen, also knits with her class.

Leonard’s students have been knitting since she started teaching at Valencia 16 years ago – and they even kept knitting when classes went online during the pandemic.

“Knitting is soothing and strengthens fine motor, and feels lovely to be altruistic and also keep our finished products,” she shared.

Students are not allowed to wear hats in class but Leonard makes an exception for their own knit beanies, which she said, they wear with pride.

And she’s heard parents ask their kids to knit a beanie for a relative’s baby shower.

One year, Leonard had a student who was diagnosed with brain cancer. While she was being treated, “our class would have Zoom calls on our big screen and my

student and I collectively knit a beanie and gave it to her,” Leonard explained.

“That made it so much more personal.”

And when the student returned to class, she wore the beanie.

As a teacher, she finds this activity is a way to knit the class together with a common goal.

Some kids have knitted 15 or more while a few are struggling to knit their first, but without prompting, students help each other.

One student “is the fastest knitter I’ve seen and he knits bigger hats with gorgeous thick yarn and keeps churning them out at an amazing rate,” Leonard said.

Some have added pom poms and another created a seasonal beanie in red and white.

Leonard said, “It’s truly beautiful for me to look out as I’m reading aloud and appreciate my students and their heartfelt gifts.” n ••• Photo Credit: Sarah Leonard

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Our Community Reads: The Monk of Mokha

By Denise Ward

O

ur Community Reads, a program of the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, will kick-off the 2024 season on Jan. 24 with a book discussion facilitated by Book Shop Santa Cruz owner Casey Coonerty-Protti.

Be sure to pick up your copy of The Monk of Mokha, by bestselling author Dave Eggers, so you can join us for this, plus a vast selection of upcoming events that will be unveiled shortly.

This fast-paced true story weaves together the history of coffee, the ongoing Yemeni civil war, and the courageous journey of a young man — a Muslim and US citizen — following the American dream.

Our events will delve into the many themes of the book through a variety of types of events including an author talk with both Dave Eggers and the protagonist of the story, Mokhtar Alkhanshali presenting in person.

There will be art, music, films, lectures, and our ever-popular Trivia Night on the calendar plus so much more. You won’t want to miss this season!

All events will require registration on the SCPL website calendar. For more information about Our Community Reads and a description of events visit: www.friendsof aptoslibrary.org. n •••

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Jan. 24 Book Discussion | 11 a.m.

Join your fellow readers to talk about our 2024 selection and discuss major themes in depth. Casey Coonerty Protti, owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, will facilitate the conversation. Sandwiches provided by Aegis Living Aptos.

The Loft coffee shop — 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos ••• Tuesday, Jan. 30 An Evening with Dave Eggers and Mokhtar Alkhanshali | 7p.m.

Monk of Mokha author Dave Eggers and the monk himself, Mokhtar Alkhanshali, talk about the multiyear collaboration that became the story of Mokhtar’s quest, traveling from San Francisco to the remote coffee farms of Yemen in search of the world’s most dangerous cup of coffee. Questions from the audience are encouraged.

Radius Gallery at the Tannery Arts Center — 1050 River St #127, Santa Cruz

••• Friday, Feb. 2 Sacred Brew? The Religious, Political, and Cultural Role of Coffee in Yemen | 6 p.m.

Dr. Flagg Miller, UC Davis Professor of Religious Studies, talks about the role coffee plays in Yemeni culture and about his current coffee-growing research project in Yemen.

Dr. Miller’s academic focus is on cultures of modern Muslim reform in the Middle East, especially Yemen. Dessert and coffee will be provided.

Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.

Tuesday, Feb. 6 Yemeni Stories: The Yemeni Immigrant Experience | 7 p.m.

Jehan Hakim, a 2nd-generation YemeniAmerican Muslim, founder of the Yemeni Alliance Committee and board member of Just Foreign Policy, will join us for a virtual talk from Texas. Her experience spans interfaith coalition building, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training, and consulting. Geneffa Jahan, professor of English at Cabrillo College, will moderate further discussion, and there will be a bag of Harazi Blend Yemeni Style coffee for a lucky audience member!

Ow Family Community Room, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola Library ••• Wednesday, Feb. 7 Coffee Warms the Heart (art workshop) 1 p.m.

Hearts and flowers are familiar symbols of love. With Valentine’s Day just a week away, you’ll create a bouquet or a greeting card using coffee paint as your medium.

Artist Lise Bixler leads this art workshop. No experience needed. All materials supplied.

Felton Library Community Room ••• Saturday, Feb. 10 Writing Under the Influence of Coffee! (workshop) | 11 a.m.

Starting with a few coffee-flavored writing prompts to get you motivated, facilitators June Langhoff and members of the Santa Cruz chapter of Shut Up & Write follow up with silent writing, and end with optional sharing. Loads of encouragement and coffee will be provided.

Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library ••• Tuesday, Feb. 13 “Baristas” (film) | 6:30 p.m.

Follow four passionate National Barista Champions — from Japan, Ireland, the USA, and Germany — as they represent their countries at the 2017 World Barista Championship in Seoul, South Korea. You’ll get a terrific behind-the-scenes peek into the preparations required for this tense competition. (Popcorn will be available!) [This film contains some profanity.]

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Dave Eggers and Mokhtar Alkhanshali • Photo Credit: Jeremy Stern

Ow Family Community Room, Capitola Library High School Art Competition Winners.

View designs from the High School Art Competition, where students redesign The Monk of Mokha book jacket.

Judged by staff members from Bookshop Santa Cruz.

••• Thursday, Feb. 15 Brewing Revolution: Coffee and Class Struggle in 20th-Century Central America | 6:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Nick Rowell, professor of political science at Cabrillo College, discusses how coffee is a factor in contributing to peace and prosperity in some instances, and civil war and revolution in others.

Rio Sands Hotel Community Room — 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos ••• Saturday, Feb. 17 Coffee Botanical Illustration (art workshop) | 1 p.m.

Facilitated by art educators Sharon Ferguson and Jo-Neal Graves, participants will learn to look closely at each part of the coffee plant and create a botanical illustration. You’ll be guided every step of the way. No experience needed. Materials, Instruction, support, and encouragement will be provided.

Ow Family Community Room, Capitola Library ••• Sunday, Feb. 18 Johann Sebastian Bach’s Coffee Cantata (live music) | 3 p.m.

Bach’s aria will be sung by lyric coloraturasoprano Lori Schumann, co-founder of the Santa Cruz Opera Project. She will be accompanied by piano and flute. Come enjoy the music and learn about Bach’s relationship to coffee. (Hint: He drank 30 cups a day!) Learn a bit more from Dinah Phillips about the intertwined history of coffee and music over the years.

Downtown Library Meeting Room, 2nd floor — 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz

••• Wednesday, Feb. 21 “A Small Section of the World” (film) & Coffee Tasting | 1 p.m.

A moving documentary about a group of women in a small, remote farming community in Costa Rica as they spark a revolution in the coffee growing world. Stay to taste some Costa Rican coffee after the film.

(Program ends at 2:30 p.m.)

Felton Library Community Room ••• Saturday, Feb. 24 Verve Coffee Tour and Tasting (field trip) | 1 p.m.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee roasting process and learn about the secret sauce behind third-wave coffee. Our tour leaders, Hannah Meade and Laney Drury, represent this world-famous coffee company headquartered in our own backyard.

104 Bronson St. Suite 19, Santa Cruz ••• Sunday, Feb. 25 Dror Sinai Musical Adventures | 4 p.m.

“Rhythm is all around us, in everything we see, we touch, we breathe.”

Experience this true force of nature as Dror Sinai shares his musical gifts and tells stories about his Yemeni roots.

La Selva Beach Community Church — 26 Florido Ave., La Selva Beach ••• Tuesday, Feb. 27 Trivia Night | 6 p.m.

The ever-popular 2nd District Supervisor Zach Friend poses challenging questions from The Monk of Mokha. Join us for a fun-filled evening. Bring your book club members, friends, or come solo to show off your knowledge of The Monk of Mokha and all things coffee-related. Dinner & Drinks available for purchase at this new venue. n 41st Ocean Breakfast & Grill — 2623 41st Ave, Soquel (behind Café Cruz)

NATIONAL NEWS

Rep. Panetta Backs Tax Credit to Help Renters O

Rep. Scott Peters (D-La Jolla), who is on n Dec. 12, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), teamed with the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Budget Committee, said: two California members of “San Diego renters face unacceptably Congress and one from Chicago to high costs of living, especially when introduce legislation to help milcompared to national averages. The lions of cost-burdened renters by tax credit proposed by the Rent creating a refundable tax credit Relief Act provides much-needed available to families earning up to relief, opportunity, and stability.” $100,000.

Christopher Martin, policy Under the Rent Relief Act of director of Housing California, 2023, HR 6721, people who pay Jimmy Panetta pointed out only one in four lowmore than 30% of adjusted gross income for rent would be eligible for the tax income households receives federal rental assistance. credit.

“The Rent Relief Act will help address For those earning up to 25,000, the this gap,” he said. refundable credit would be 100%.

A similar bill was introduced in 2022 by For those earning more than $25,000, but Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia. not over $50,000, the credit would be 75%.

“I commend Senator Raphael Warnock Those earning more than $50,000, but and Representatives Danny K. Davis, Jimmy not over $75,000, the credit would be 50%.

And 25% for those earning $75,000+ but Gomez, Scott Peters, and Jimmy Panetta for their leadership,” said Diane Yentel, not over $100,000 In 2021, in Santa Cruz County, where the president and CEO of National Low Income median income was $93,800, median housing Housing Coalition. “A new tax credit for cost was $2,022, with 18% of renters paying renters, like the one proposed today, has more than 30% of their income. That’s more the power to transform lives, providing America’s extremely low-income households than 37,000 households.

In Monterey County median income was with the breadth of opportunities that come $80,000 and median housing cost was $1,840, from having a stable, affordable place to call with 20% paying more than 30% of their home.”

Margaret Huang, president and CEO of income, more than 58,000 households.

That data come from Harvard Univer- the Southern Poverty Law Center and SPLC Action Fund, said more people today “are sity’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

“Rising rents and the high cost of housing being forced onto the streets, left with few, if make it difficult for many working families any, options for affordable housing.” n who contribute greatly to the 19th Congres••• sional District to actually live here,” said The Rent Relief Act is supported by 35 housing, Panetta. “The Rent Relief Act will address ability, and family advocates, including: Black Girls these high costs by providing a federal tax Vote; Children’s HealthWatch; Church World credit to help cover the difference between Service; Coalition on Human Needs; Community their income levels and rental market prices. Change; Housing Action Illinois; Housing CaliProud to work with Rep. Danny Davis to fornia; Justice in Aging; LeadingAge; Liberation in reintroduce legislation so critical to keeping a Generation; Local Initiatives Support Corporation; communities throughout our country Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF); National workable and livable for working families.”

Association for County Community and Economic Davis, who represents Chicago’s West Development; National Association for Family Child Side, serves with Panetta on the House Ways Care; National Association for Latino Community and Means Committee with broad juris- Asset Builders; National Association of Local diction over revenue measures.

Housing Finance Agencies; National Coalition for “Direct grant assistance and affordable Asian Pacific American Community Development; housing are essential, but only help a limited National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; National number of households,” Davis said. “A Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care renter’s credit could help every eligible tax- for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness payer afford housing.”

Law Center; National Housing Law Project; Jimmy Gomez (D-Eagle Rock), who National Housing Trust; National Low Income founded and chairs the Congressional Housing Coalition; National NeighborWorks Renters Caucus, said, “The burden of rent Association; National Network to End Domestic has increased significantly, outpacing real Violence; National Nurse-Led Care Consortium; wages, and forcing families in Los Angeles National Women’s Law Center; NETWORK Lobby and across the country to cut back on basic for Catholic Social Justice; Opportunity Starts at needs to afford their homes. Tax credits exist Home Campaign; Poverty & Race Research Action to help homeowners, why not implement tax Council; RESULTS; Southern Poverty Law Center credits for renters too? “ Action Fund; The Kelsey; and Zero to Three.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Former Hospital Executives Face Accusations of Financial Mismanagement

J

By Jondi Gumz

eremy Rosenthal, the trustee managing the bankruptcy of Watsonville Community Hospital, has filed a lawsuit against three top executives of Halsen Healthcare, the former owners, accusing them of funneling at least $3,965,560 for personal use for themselves and their associates.

He further claims that they contracted with Heroic Security, an IT company run by a friend of the CFO, and lacking experience to maintain the hospital’s computer and internet, resulting in an unreliable medical records system with billing issues, inability to bill for services for 30 days.

He claims the executives slowed and stopped payments to vendors and employees, which led to accounts payable ballooning from $8 million to $26 million in a year.

He claims the executives stopped paying

employee pharmacy and benefit claims, resulting in $1.8 million in unpaid claims and employees taken to collections for services they thought were covered.

A case management conference is scheduled for March 5 in U.S. Northern District Court in San Jose. That is the date of California’s primary election, when the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District, which now owns the hospital operation, is asking property owners to support a parcel tax to provide more revenue to the cash-strapped hospital. The tax would be $24 per $100,000 of assessed property valuation, paid annually for 30 years.

Hospital management has implemented

cost saving measures and revenue-generating initiatives to improve financial operations.

The lawsuit, filed Dec. 1, names Halsen Chief Financial Officer Edmund King, CEO Stacy Sean Fowler and Halsen Board Chairman Dan Brothman.

Lookout Santa Cruz reports they did not respond to requests for comment.

Halsen Healthcare, based in Los Angeles, bought the hospital in 2019 for $30 million from Quorum Health Corp. but was ousted in 2021.

The lawsuit alleges the three Halsen executives created employment agreements with salaries ranging from $330,000 to $340,000 for themselves plus a management services fee of $100,000 a month.

The lawsuit alleges they reimbursed themselves for over $365,559 in living expenses including car allowance, auto insurance, housing, groceries, dry cleaners, dining and more without reasonable independent oversight or justifiable business purpose. This included expenses related to a beachfront home in Watsonville, according to expense reports Rosenthal filed.

Rosenthal is with Force 10 Partners LLC, which managed the hospital’s bankruptcy.

The executives used the hospital’s limited funds to pay themselves unearned consultant fees, above-market annual salaries, paid time off, benefits, monthly car allowances ranging from $2,299 to $4,282 and “unlimited travel and living expenses,” the lawsuit alleges. n

Metro Awarded $2 Million for Affordable Rentals at Watsonville Transit Center

M

ETRO has been awarded $2 with 15-minute frequencies between the million from the Association of Watsonville Transit Center and Santa Cruz.

Monterey Bay These routes will meet the state’s definition of Area Governments “Metro is proud to high-quality transit. toward redeveloping This designation the Watsonville Transit bring forward a project allows the city Center, 475 Rodriguez that will increase access and developers to St., Watsonville, into streamline some Calia complex with 65+ to housing and transit fornia Environmental affordable rentals atop in Watsonville, a hisQuality Act requirethe bus station ticket ments and reduce office. torically underserved parking spaces, if they Located downtown, community.” so choose. the project is a key — Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Bus operations element in the City of Metro Board Chair are to be relocated to Watsonville’s overall on-street bus bays to revitalization effort, bringing in new residents with all the units maximize the development potential of the affordable, and a key part of Metro’s strategy one-acre site.

“The Watsonville project is an excellent to offer more frequent bus service.

Metro plans to operate two bus routes example of how infill development

The complex, at the intersection of Rodriguez Street and West Lake Avenue, is to have bike sharing and a roof terrace for residents.

8 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Rendering of new Watsonville Metro site, a four-story complex with 65+ affordable rentals. combined with affordable housing can also The $2 million comes from the Regional support exciting multimodal transpor- Early Action Planning Grants of 2021. tation opportunities,” said Metro Board The grant will cover the architecture Chair Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. “Metro and engineering phase, a two-year process is proud to bring forward a project that that will begin in January 2024 and is to will increase access to housing and transit conclude in December 2025 with a fully in Watsonville, a historically underserved designed, permitted project ready to begin community.” construction.

Another goal is to reduce long car comThese grants represent a statewide mutes by incentivizing people to live closer effort to invest in planning for infill to their jobs. housing across California to reduce vehicle “Transit-oriented development miles traveled to reduce air pollution, coupled with increased transit service is increase affordable housing, and advance proven to reduce vehicle miles traveled, equity. especially in corridors with long commutes, Metro aims to provide 175 new, such as the one between Watsonville and transit-oriented affordable housing units in Santa Cruz,” said Metro Vice Chair Kristen Watsonville and Santa Cruz by 2033.

Brown. “To further increase transit use, free The Santa Cruz project, Pacific Center, transit passes will be provided to all project is to create 120 affordable rentals on the bus residents.” station site downtown. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

If You Left Aptos, Where Would You Go?

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n anonymous query the week before Christmas on the Aptosia Facebook page asked this question: If you moved away from this area (with its ocean beaches and beautiful sunsets) where would you go? Looking for all the usual things, less expensive, clean, low crime, nice weather, clean water and air, good job market, decent shopping, less traffic, more housing available, no universities, nature, etc. Schools are not a concern, empty nesters.

More than 300 people joined the conversation.

Clearly a popular topic.

But there is no easy answer.

Some say they would go to the forest and the mountains, Lake Tahoe, Auburn, Twin Harte, Truckee, but you have to shovel snow.

Others would go north up the coast to Eureka or Arcata or Mendocino or south to San Luis Obispo or Avila Beach or Los Osos near Morro Bay. San Luis Obispo has a Cal State campus, so that’s out.

Plus, just like Aptos, San Luis Obispo is very expensive and has lots of homeless, commenters said.

Central Valley? Too hot.

“Los Osos,” one woman posted. “Wonderful small coastal community that feels like Pleasure Point 30 years ago.”

To which one commenter replied, “Average home $1 million.”

Morro Bay used to be less expensive but now an average home goes for $1 million+ and there are lots of homeless. Compared to Aptos, it’s foggier, rarely burning off in the afternoon, said one woman who moved there from Aptos.

Carmel or Pacific Grove? Must love fog.

Cambria is small but has lots of traffic — and water issues.

Trinidad near Arcata? There is no real employment in Trinidad unless you work for the county, plus it is so wet, you need a dehumidifier, said one woman whose kids lived there. They left after two years for Denver.

One woman reported lots of transients and meth issues and car break-ins in Eureka.

Near Forests he downsides of Tahoe: Tough job market and lots of traffic.

Nevada City is attractive but the local job market is underwhelming.

Grass Valley is beautiful but one said it has a lot of fireplace smoke and home prices are going up.

The downside of buying a home near the forest is that insurance companies are raising the price to insure it against fire, often unaffordable, leaving the last-ditch choice — the

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state of California FAIR plan, which is pricey, too.

One man who moved a few years ago near Twain Harte three hours from the ocean and he bought a house for $225,000.

Another bought in Arnold, a threebedroom home for $400,000 – again three hours from Aptos – in a FireWise certified neighborhood to lower the home insurance rates.

A man who retired and bought a threebedroom house in Groveland near Yosemite for $169,000 raved about the gated community at Pine Mountain Lake, where his mortgage is $500 a month.

“I love and miss Santa Cruz, but I love it here too,” he wrote. “I can see a bald eagle from my deck!”

Sacramento? ne has a brother who moved to Roseville near Sacramento 20 years ago and has a gorgeous home and with huge back lot and pool.

According to Brittany McClellan, who moved from Aptos to Rocklin in 2016 and works as a lender with builders, homes start in the $500,000s.

Another woman said Roseville has “hot as heck summers” and greater Sacramento is getting more expensive and crowded with a big homeless population.

Yet another posted that her family moved to Sacramento County five years ago, but they were not happy as rents increased a lot so they moved back last year — happy with that decision.

Clovis is cute but hot — 110 degrees in summer — and doesn’t have clean air, one shared, but another said it has improved.

“Everywhere in California is expensive,” concluded one. “Maybe a different state altogether.”

A business owner with a family said they been considering South Lake Tahoe, Petaluma and Sebastopol.

And still, one shared, “I’m scared to sell ‘cause I’ll never be able to return.”

“There’s just not a perfect place,” concluded a woman who enjoyed breakfast on the oceanfront deck of Zelda’s in Capitola.

“Reminding myself how gorgeous it is here.”

“What you’re looking for is 1970,” one woman posted. “Let me know when you get there.” n

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Acosta Chosen PVUSD Board President O n Dec. 13, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees chose officers for 2024, selecting as president Georgia Acosta and as vice president/clerk Oscar Soto.

Acosta was chosen on a 5-2 vote, with trustees Kim De Serpa and Jennifer Holm voting no.

Soto was chosen on a 6-1 vote, with trustee Adam Scow voting no.

Acosta, who was first elected in 2016, is Georgia Acosta an ag business owner and former chair of Pacific Coast Charter School.

Soto, who represents the Monterey County part of the district, was first elected in 2020.

Acosta and Soto held these positions in 2021, when the board terminated then-Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez on a 5-2 vote.

The termination was rescinded unanimously

a few days later after the board listened to 10 hours of critical public comment.

Afterward, the board censured Acosta but a recall effort failed to collect the required number of signatures.

Rodriguez stayed on until June 2023, when she was hired as superintendent of schools in Stockton.

Murry Schekman is serving as interim superintendent, and the district is seeking someone to fill the role permanently.

Oscar Soto PVUSD, in a statement, said: “The newly appointed officers are set to lead the district with a commitment to educational excellence and an inclusive, welcoming learning and work environment — all in service of every PVUSD student’s daily work to meet their academic and life goals. These officers and the rest of the trustees embody the spirit of service to education and the community.” n

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10 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Questions About County Sales Tax Vote aving lived and worked in Placer County for a number of years, I’m familiar with some of the services they provide to the greater community.

Placer County has a sales tax of 7.5% with a population of 412,000.

On the other hand Santa Cruz County would like to have another sales tax increase to 9.5% with a population of 270,000.

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Santa celebrates with (from left) Steve Bontadelli, Caroline Eiskamp, Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, and Nita Gizdich.

Co-Chairs Caroline Eiskamp and Nita Gizdich.

Bontadelli said, “Our organization is impressed that the Down to Earth Women Luncheon committee took the initiative to raise money to help farmworkers affected by the floods.” n

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Saturday, January 20th • 9:00am –12:00pm

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n Dec. 19, Agri-Culture, Inc. presented a check of $13,250 to the Casa de la Cultura Center for rental assistance for farmworkers still displaced by the March 2023 flood when the Pajaro River levee failed.

This money was raised as part of the 2023 Down to Earth Women (DEW) Luncheon.

This annual event, attended by 200+ women, raises money for agricultural education. This year, a special auction took place to raise money for farmworkers affected by the flood.

The check was presented during Casa de la Cultura Center’s annual Christmas distribution of food and toys to local families. The check was given to Executive Director Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, and presented by Steve Bontadelli, president, Agri-Culture, Inc., and Down to Earth Women Luncheon

Projects may vary depending on camp length.

So my question is really for the County Board and the general public at large.

Do they look at neighboring counties for best practices? Do they work to see why two counties can have such a disparity in tax rates. Perhaps they need to step back and look at their seat on the board as a business and start doing their ‘job’ to be competitive and not as a political money pit. n — Walt Bowen, Aptos

Celebrating equity and inclusion for all.

Everyone deserves inclusive representation and dedicated allies. Kaiser Permanente is committed to destigmatizing disabilities and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Learn more at kp.org/santacruz For all that is Santa Cruz County. For all that is you.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Shawn Duggan has been promoted to aty Spicer is the new academic coordinator of Mar Vista Elementary in supervisor of transportation as of Dec. 7.

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She began working for PVUSD TransporShe began her career as a K-8 teacher tation Department in 2008 as school bus driver, at Newcastle Elementary School parts technician, dispatcher and District. During her tenure there, most recently as a routing specialist. she was an assistant principal and Samantha Legorreta has been responsible for overseeing district promoted to principal of Mintie and site curriculum programs, White Elementary. assessments, and programs A graduate of Watsonville that worked with underserved High, she started as a teacher at populations.

Linscott Charter School in 2016.

She was a coordinator of She was a teacher at LandmarkElestudent services and intervention mentary and Ohlone. In 2021, she Katy Spicer for two different charter schools. became academic coordinator of Ms. Spicer earned her bachelor’s degree Watsonville Charter School of the Arts. in English from Trinity Western University She has earned a bachelor’s degree in and has a multiple subject credential and a history from Fresno State University and single subject credential in English, and a a master’s degree in history from San Jose California administrative services credential. State. She has a multiple subject credential She has two master’s degrees, one in from CSU Monterey Bay and an adminiseducation administration from University of trative services credential from the Santa Phoenix and the other in learning technology Clara County Office of Education LEAP from Pepperdine University. program. n

Syda Cogliati Chosen Presiding Judge

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12 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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udge Syda Cogliati has been elected by the bench to serve as presiding judge for Santa Cruz County Superior Court, and Judge Jerry Vinluan has been elected assistant presiding judge, starting Jan. 1, 2024.

Cogliati has served as judge since 2018, after being appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown following her election.

She currently presides over a felony department and serves as the criminal supervising judge. She also participates on the Judicial Council’s Appellate Advisory Committee and the Local Committee on the Prevention of Bias.

Vinluan has served since 2021, after being appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Syda Cogliati

He currently presides over juvenile justice, a misdemeanor department, and civil harassment retraining Orders.

He also participates on the Local Committee on the Prevention of Bias.

As of Jan. 1, Jerry Vinluan Judge Nancy de la Pena will be the criminal supervising judge.

The following judicial assignment changes will begin April 1, upon the retirement of current Presiding Judge Timothy Volkmann: • Presiding Judge Cogliati will hear civil, conservatorships, unlawful detainer cases, CEQA, writ of mandates, and complex litigation matters in Department 5.

• Judge de la Pena will hear the felony calendar in Department 6.

• Judge Leila Sayar will hear criminal domestic violence, felony and misdemeanor calendars in Department 4.

• The Department 2 misdemeanor calendars will be heard by visiting judges. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Doctors Object to 2024 Medicare Pay Cut; Panetta Aims to Block It

I

By Jondi Gumz

n Santa Cruz County, people who turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare are finding their doctor will no longer see them — because Medicare reimbursement for their services is too low.

It’s a statewide problem.

According to the California Medical Association, 76% of California physicians report that Medicare reimbursement no longer covers their costs to provide care.

This is a national problem.

Medical associations from all 50 states wrote to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to say the cost of running a practice will increase 4.6% in 2024, according to Medicare officials, yet physicians are to get 3.37% cut in reimbursement on Jan. 1.

Medicare officials said the cut was needed to offset higher payments for primary care visits and longitudinal care visits and to achieve budget neutrality. A new code, G2211, will recognize costs involved in evaluation and management of those office visits when the patient has a serious condition or a complex condition.

Another priority for Medicare was a rule allows marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors, including addiction, alcohol or drug counselors who meet qualification requirements, to enroll for the first time in Medicare and bill for services starting Jan. 1, according to Fierce Healthcare.

The rule also increases payment for crisis care, substance use disorder treatment, and psychotherapy.

The pay cut for physician reimbursement appeared in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, posted

Nov. 1, which set the conversion factor at $32.74, down $1.15.

This followed a 2% payment reduction for physicians in 2023.

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) helped author and introduce the bipartisan Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act, HR 6683.

Panetta worked on the bill with Reps.

Gregory Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Danny Davis (IL-07), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), and Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX-26).

Physicians around the country are increasingly finding it difficult to continue to operate and care for Medicare patients as Medicare physician reimbursement has failed to keep pace with inflation. In 2023 alone, providers saw a projected 4.6% increase in practice cost expenses.

“If the rule by CMS is implemented, physician reimbursement from Medicare would continue to shrink leading to fewer physicians and less access to healthcare for seniors,” said Panetta.

“We must end these Medicare payment cuts once and for all and enact long-term Medicare payment reform to protect our patients,” said California Medical Association President Tanya Spirtos, M.D. “If these cuts take effect, more physicians will be forced to retire early, or limit the number of Medicare patients they can accept – creating longer wait times for patients to get the care they need. Physicians are the backbone of the Medicare program, and we will continue to fight to ensure that our patients have access to high-quality physician care. Reform is long overdue.” n ••• What’s your opinion? Email me at info@cybertimes.com and put Medicare in the subject line.

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COVER STORY “Life & Death” from page 4 We were only about three or four miles away. I told Comms we could be there in five minutes. I turned the boat around and took it north up the coast along Benson Beach.

I wasn’t worried or panicked. One of the things I’ve learned over my years in the Coast Guard and being put in difficult situations like this is that when shit does hit the fan, I stay pretty calm. No matter the situation, I can always focus my attention on the task at hand. Still, regardless of the training one has, or the years of experience, nothing is routine when a person is in the water, especially if it’s a child. This is one of the worst possible calls to get, one no Coast Guard officer ever wants to receive. Nothing is taken more seriously.

I got into the Coast Guard at the age of 19 because I grew up around the ocean and was tired of working dead-end jobs. I ended up staying because I was pretty good at it. I discovered I could save lives.

I had first arrived at Station Cape Disappointment six years and eight months earlier, on January 5, 1998. Those who serve in the Coast Guard know the reputation of “Cape D.” It is one of the most notorious units in the Coast Guard. The largest station on the Northwest Coast, it has 50 assigned crewmembers who take on more than 400 search-and-rescue cases every year, more than one a day on average. The station’s area of responsibility stretches along 50 miles of coastline, an area often referred to as “the Graveyard of the Pacific” due to the 20-foot surf, 30-foot seas, and 50-knot winds that lead to numerous wrecks every year. More than 2,000 vessels and 700 lives have been lost near the Columbia Bar alone.

Essentially, Cape Disappointment was where I thought I belonged. During my tenure at Station Cape D, I developed a kind of reputation. I became known as that guy—the guy who would go out on searchand-rescue cases when no one else wanted to go, when the weather was extremely hostile, the buoy measuring waves at over 30 feet. By the spring of 2000, I had received my qualification as a coxswain, and 15 months later, achieved the designation of surfman. By the end of my tenure, I became one of the service’s most highly trained and experienced boat handlers.

Becoming a surfman is a rigorous process that takes some people up to four years to complete. Most never make it. Of the 188 boat stations in the Coast Guard, there are only 20 that are located in areas with surf conditions that require surfmen, a qualification more rare than becoming an astronaut.

It is a dangerous job, one that requires finesse and calm in life-or- death situations.

The surfman is the guy who drives the boat into 20- to 30-foot waves on search-and-rescue missions. He is responsible for the lives of everyone on board, as well as for whatever happens on a case, good or bad. By the time I left Cape Disappointment, I had been involved in over 430 cases and amassed over 2,200 hours of under-way time, operating on the Columbia River Bar. I drove boats into 70 mph winds; I towed fishing boats through storms; I rescued capsized boats from 20-foot

waves. There was nothing else like it for me.

The situation didn’t look good. She I couldn’t get enough — the feeling of being was only about 25 yards away but still just out there on a case, in the rough surf, and out of reach of the boat. There was no way getting back with everyone safe on board.

I could get to her. The waves were pushing Not all cases are dangerous. Sometimes her under and around in circles, farther and it’s the ones that might seem insignificant at farther away and closer to the cliffs. She was first that end up sticking with you the longest. yelling and screaming for help, thrashing at Even though this case of the kids falling from the water. I tried but couldn’t get the boat any the cliff near the lighthouse was not the most closer. I looked around again for the boy but dangerous or life-threatening, it is the one didn’t see him anywhere. I figured he’d fallen I still think about to this day. I’m sure most into the water and had already been pulled people who serve in a branch of the military under the eddy, or else he was caught in the and see action have a story like this. It is rocks somewhere. usually a single moment that changes them, “Five-eight-zero, do you copy?” Comms for better or worse, even if it’s impossible to said again. “Can you get to her? How far explain why after years of thinking about it. away are you?”

The cliff at North Head Lighthouse is “I’m about 25 yards away,” I said, “but I about a 130-foot fall with giant boulders at can’t get the boat any closer.” the bottom. The waves pound these rocks “Can you get to her with a life ring?” in winter and smash boats against the cliffs. Comms said.

There’s a reason for the lighthouse’s location: I felt my heart beating inside my chest, The rockbound coastline causes sea condi- like a fist pounding its way out, adrenaline tions that have endangered and wrecked reverberating in my bones. Those of us who hundreds of marine vessels for centuries, work in maritime search and rescue know and the torrential force of the Columbia River the feeling. There are rarely routine cases, obscures the view of the lighthouse on the and when children are involved, everyone’s south side of the river, heart rate is elevated a two miles away. couple notches. Even When we got to though it takes years the scene at the lightof training and qualihouse that day, I looked fications to become a around, scanning the surfman, often in the water and the cliffs for field you have to be the kids. I slowed the ready to do things you boat to a crawl. People were never trained had gathered up on for—because things so the cliff near the lightoften go wrong. house, standing on the But that day, railing, looking down nothing went wrong. at the water. I didn’t The conditions were see a thing at first. good. There was no Even in the calmest fog, so the visibility conditions a body in was fine. There was the water can be difvery little swell, and ficult to spot. I guided no wind. Even so, there the boat slowly along was simply nothing the outskirts of the we could do to combat rocks, keeping a safe the situation. It was Chris and Courtney D’Amelio distance from the cliffs. bad, plain and simple.

Hitting one of these boulders would easily The waves and current were beating the girl puncture the hull of the boat and capsize it, against the rocks at the base of the cliffs. Her so I steered carefully around them. body was pinned. She was too far away to Although I couldn’t see anything at first, throw the life ring, and the 23-foot boat was I knew the kids were there somewhere. I too large and unwieldy to maneuver through heard them before I saw anything. At the base the rocks. of the cliffs the girl was caught in an eddy in Despite all of these factors, however, I the rocks, where the water formed a kind of still thought we could pull it off. I thought whirlpool. She was splashing and flailing if one of my crewmen could steer the boat her arms, screaming and crying. I slowed the around the rocks I could make a swim for boat down and got as close as I could without her. We were close enough to hear the waves endangering the boat and the lives of myself that were slapping her against the rocks, and my two crewmen. I picked up the radio her bones surely breaking, and I remember and let Comms know what I’d seen and what thinking that it didn’t sound like what I’d was going on. imagined.

“Station Cape Disappointment, this is I turned to my two crewmen.

UTL five-eight-zero,” I said. “I have a visual “Do you think you can drive the boat?” on the girl.”

One said “No,” and the other, “I don’t I looked around for the boy but didn’t know.” see him.

I asked them again, not wanting to com“Can you get to her?” Comms said. prehend the reality.

They had to ask me twice because I They said no again. didn’t hear them. My focus was primarily on I wanted to make the swim; I knew I how we were going to get the girl out of the could do it. Every bone in my body wanted water. to go in after her and pull her out of the

14 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

water. She was close enough, just 25 or 30 yards away, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it safely without destroying the boat. We were too close to the cliffs, and I just couldn’t put more lives at risk by asking one of my crewmen to take the helm of a boat they didn’t know how to drive. I didn’t really care about the Coast Guard’s rule against leaving the boat; I would have done it if I thought it would have been possible to save her.

All of this meant we would have to leave the girl in the water. It meant we would have to stand there and witness her getting beaten by wave after wave until a helicopter arrived.

I knew that the chances of this girl getting rescued alive were slim.

“Five-eight-zero, can you get to her?”

Comms said again. “I think she’s too far,” I said.

The feeling of helplessness is what I remember most, years later. The children involved were not much older than my own.

“What’s the situation now?” Comms said.

I heard helicopter blades coming from the south. The girl’s cries for help were getting fainter, silenced by the waves. I stood at the helm of the boat, beating the steering wheel with my fist. I felt helpless and angry.

There was nothing I could do — nothing more I could think of to do. I just watched, feeling useless. I watched wave after wave hit this girl and pummel her into the rocks, breaking her bones and filling her lungs with salt water. I watched until the helicopter arrived on scene, the noise of its rotor blades filling my ears.

“We’ve got a visual on the boy,” the pilot said over the radio.

The boy was hanging onto the cliffs.

Apparently, he hadn’t made it all the way to the water.

“What’s his condition?” Comms said.

“He’s alive. He looks to be okay,” the pilot said.

“Is he in any danger?”

“No,” the pilot said.

The helicopter moved closer to the cliffs, getting into position over the girl’s body.

“We’re going to drop a hook for the girl,” the pilot said.

“Roger.”

By the time the helicopter had lined up above her, the girl was no longer screaming, no longer moving. Her body was limp, just floating there, getting beaten against the cliffs. I was sure she must be dead, or nearly dead. I was sure that any hope she would make it out alive was probably gone.

The helicopter circled the cliffs several times. I watched it drop slowly, then level off, then lower itself again, more slowly, inch by inch. By now, more people had gathered on the lighthouse cliff and were looking down, shielding their eyes from the sun and the dust kicked up by the chop- per. The rotors pressed down, vibrating the air and pulsating against the boat, flattening the waves. It sounded like a thrumming heartbeat heard through a stethoscope, a wall of sound drowning out all other noise. I heard faint voices coming in over the radio, but the sound was muffled and mostly static.

“Life & Death” page 18

Meet Honey-Do Proprietors S halray “RayRay” George and her husband Colin George are the proprietors of Honey-do Gardens in Aptos, where they have fallen in love with homesteading.

They have 2 acres, keeping bees, quail, chickens, fruit trees, some vegetables, and some fruits throughout the year.

“We made apple cider vinegar and plum wine vinegar,” RayRay said. “Our

COMMUNITY NEWS

biggest sale was our salsa … I started canning this year and realized we need to share this with the community.”

They participated in the homesteaders’ market at the Congregational Church in Soquel, which ran Nov. 3 – Dec. 15.

“Our favorite part was connecting with the community and the other vendors,” RayRay said. “I can’t wait for our honey harvest in the spring, as we sold out of all our honey!” n

RayRay and Colin George Far left: Colin George at the Homesteaders’ Market in Soquel Left: Salsa, hot or not?

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16 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Free National Park Pass for Fourth Graders F ourth grade students in Santa Cruz County will get a free pass to visit national parks with their families in

2024.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education received 3,000 park passes for distribution by the end of January.

The program began in 2015 as part of the National Park Service centennial and transitioned to the 2019 Every Kid Outdoors Act, House Resolution 1184.

The passes are valid to access national parks, lands, and waters — more than 2,000 sites — through Aug. 31, 2024.

Research on program participants indicates that without free access, 73% would never have visited a national park.

“Few experiences are as powerful and transformative as visiting our nation’s national parks and monuments,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah.

Research shows students are more likely to visit parks throughout the rest of their lives if they experience parks with their family or school at age 10. However, the program has required families to register online and download a printable pass, and participation has remained low.

“The entire Bureau of Land Management distributed just over 2,200 of these passes in 2022,” said Zachary Ormsby, field manager at the Bureau of

Land Management California Central Coast Field Office. “Through a collaborative effort with County Supervisor Justin Cummings, our Central Coast Field Office was able to connect with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and get these passes into the hands of every local 4th grader. This shared commitment to the communities we serve enables expanded access for local families to connect with nature.”

Cummings said, “This is yet another way we are helping families in our community to overcome barriers to accessing the outdoors.”

The hard-copy passes go to students at public schools, but all 4th graders --public, private, charter, and home-school – can receive a printable Every Kid Outdoor Pass .

Families can find out more, and apply for a printable pass online, at www.everykidoutdoors.gov This program rovides passes only for fourth graders. If you lose your pass, get a new one by visiting the website and signing up again. The pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults for free. Students can’t transfer the pass.

The pass doesn’t cover parking fees, camping, boats, and special tours. Private operators may not honor the pass; check with the site in advance to find out. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCCRTC Names Mitch Weiss Interim Executive Director M itch Weiss, former executive director of the California Transportation Commission, has been chosen interim executive director for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Weiss will temporarily succeed Guy Preston, who retired Dec. 1, while the RTC searches for a new permanent executive director.

Weiss, who retired from the CTC in March 2023, started his new role on Dec. 21, and will report directly to the RTC Board of Directors.

“Mitch Weiss will make a great interim Mitch Weiss executive director for the RTC. His background in economics means the Commission can count on him for clear and unbiased presentation of the facts,” said Manu Koenig, RTC board chair and Santa Cruz County supervisor.

“His experience at the CTC managing state awards totaling over $20 billion means that Santa Cruz County will have additional insight as we navigate grant applications. Finally, he has firsthand experience with reorganizations, meaning that he will bring valuable perspective to the RTC as we consider our own structural changes.”

Weiss led the CTC for three years before retiring and doing consulting.

Before that, he was on CTC staff for a dozen years, including chief deputy director and deputy director. He also was deputy secretary for administration and finance for State Transportation Agency, and worked in the budget office of Caltrans.

He has worked on nearly every major transportation funding program in the state.

At the CTC, Weiss led the agency’s implementation of Senate Bill 1, which provided the first significant, stable, and ongoing increase in state transportation funding in over two decades.

This effort culminated in the programming of nearly $18 billion across six programs in 13 months. He also led the development of the Active Transportation Program, which funds more than $220 million annually for projects across the state and managed the $5 billion State Transportation Improvement Program.

At CalSTA, he was responsible for fiscal policy and administrative and personnel matters for the agency and departments under the agency, including Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Department of Motor Vehicles, and High-Speed Rail Authority. He also co-authored the first Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program guidelines.

“I appreciate the trust placed in me by the commission and am excited to help guide the RTC in its continued work to develop and deliver sustainable transportation solutions to the region as the commission searches for a permanent executive director,” said Weiss. n

I work for YOU. Trabajo para TI.

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Dominican Provides $750,000 for Youth in Crisis

D

ignity Health Dominican Hospital has provided a $750,000 grant to support the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Youth Crisis Diversion Project, slated to start Jan. 1 and run through June 30.

These funds will help establish a temporary diversion of youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis to a preferred Emergency Department with trained behavioral health staff. It is anticipated

that 150 youth under age 18 and their families will be served, regardless of ability to pay.

voteforschwartz.com PAID FOR DAVID SCHWARTZ FOR SUPERVISOR 2024, FPPC ID NO. 1463880

“Youth in Crisis” page 24

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 17

COVER STORY “Life & Death” from page 14 I didn’t understand anything that was said. Time slowed as I desperately hoped that somehow, the girl might still be alive.

The pilot lowered the helicopter a bit more and held there. The hook and cable were dropped from the cabin of the helicopter, a rescue swimmer coming down on the cable. When the helicopter lifted her out of the water, all I saw were her bright red shoes. It’s funny the kind of things you remember. Sometimes I remember only the sound of the helicopter; sometimes, nothing but the girl’s screams. Sometimes neither. But I always remember her red shoes.

“We’ve got the girl,” the pilot said.

“What’s her status?” I asked.

“She’s not breathing. We’re going to try to resuscitate her.”

I watched the people on the cliff lift their heads as the helicopter rose and the body of the girl was pulled up into the cabin. The water was still. Dust flew everywhere like pollen. Quiet settled around us and in the water. I looked around, realizing we’d been straining to hear the girl’s screams above the crashing of waves and pounding of rotor blades, but now it was over. I looked at my two crewmen, their faces a strange combination of shock and childlike disbelief, as if they couldn’t or didn’t want to believe what had just happened. It had only been about five minutes since we’d arrived on scene, but it felt like hours and hours had passed. In no other case have I ever felt time slow down quite like that, the weight of helplessness pressing against us, pinning our arms to our sides and our feet to the boat’s deck. I would think about these five or six minutes for years, replaying the scene over and over, watching it all happen in front of me, powerless. There was nothing I could do.

“That was a mess,” one of my crewmen said, breaking the silence.

I didn’t know what to say. I don’t remember saying anything.

I look back now and tell myself there

was nothing we could have done differently.

Several people have told me the same thing, and that I shouldn’t blame myself. They assure me that I would’ve only put more lives at risk if I’d made the swim for her. These words never help, though. I have blamed myself for years. I was in charge and therefore responsible; I knew that. That’s how it works in the Coast Guard. The fact that my crewmen didn’t know how to drive the boat has never freed me from the heavy burden of guilt I feel.

It was a no-win situation where one person has to make the decision to allow another person to die in order to prevent risking three other lives. How does one make that decision? How does someone, willfully or not, let another person die? That was the decision I made that day by not going after her. Was it the right one? I continue to ask myself that question to this day.

The helicopter pilot came over the radio to say he was going to bring the girl back to the helicopter pad at the station after he’d gotten the boy from the cliff. He said a police officer would meet me at the helicopter pad to pick up the boy and contact his parents.

I drove the boat back to the station, unable to think or say anything.

My part of the case wasn’t over yet, however. After I’d moored the boat in the dock, the police officer met me at the entrance to the station and we drove to the helicopter pad together. I braced myself to maintain my composure, trying to keep my mind blank as

18 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

the aircraft landed because I knew what I’d see. This instinctive, self-protective mode might help to prevent long-term impact from an awful situation, but it didn’t work this time. As soon as I saw the look on the rescue swimmer’s face, I knew the girl was dead.

The girl was still inside the helicopter.

She was lying face down with a blanket covering her. I noticed her red shoes poking out from underneath. They were red Converse. I didn’t know it then, but I would spend a lot of time thinking about these shoes over the next few years. I could never figure out why they bothered me so much. Now I think it’s because they seemed so out of place. They were so ordinary, so happy-go-lucky — shoes anyone could have worn, including my own children.

As the boy got out of the helicopter, the police officer guided him away as the chopper lifted off again to take the girl across the river to a coroner in Astoria.

“What’s going on?” the boy asked.

He was about 12 years old, but tall. He was Russian and didn’t speak English fluently, so we had some trouble communicating.

He kept looking from me to the police officer and then back to me, appearing con- fused. He seemed to be having trouble understanding what was happening.

The officer turned to me. “I’m not telling him,” he said.

What do you say to someone whose sister has just died? I had never given this kind of news to anyone, and didn’t want to start today, especially with a 12-year-old kid.

“Where are they taking my sister?” the boy asked.

It was clear he didn’t know the severity of what had just happened. Either he didn’t get it or he was in denial, just trying to postpone acknowledging the inevitability of what he’d seen.

“Where is she?” he asked again. “When can I see her?”

My hands were shaking now. I didn’t know what to say.

Before this case, I will admit, I had been living high on a fantasy.

It wasn’t a heroic fantasy, but one probably many service members have had at some point: We all think we are invincible— that nothing can ever touch us. We think that all the violence and death we’ve seen won’t ever get to us. I truly believed that. Before this case, the sight of a dead body had never fazed me. I’d never gone to stress management sessions despite having pulled dozens of bodies from the water over the years. I thought nothing bad could ever happen to me.

This would be the first — and last — time I would ever have to give someone information like this, and I felt like crying. There is nothing worse than telling a 12-year-old child his sister has just died.

“Is she going to be okay?” the boy asked again.

I looked into the boy’s face. I thought of my own family — my wife, Courtney, my daughter, Taylor, my son, Matthew. The boy stared back at me without blinking. He seemed to be holding back tears. He seemed to know what I was going to say even before I said it. Maybe he was simply waiting for someone to give him permission to start crying.

“We’re going to get you to your parents,” I heard myself say. I paused. “Your sister . . . your sister — she didn’t make it.”

His expression didn’t change at first, but then it turned serious all at once. He kept staring at me, and I could see he was beginning to understand. Then he crumpled to the floor. I watched his shoulders heaving, like a painful swell. If he was crying, he was doing it so no one could hear him. The police officer helped the boy to his feet. He was crying less now but speaking in Russian, so I couldn’t understand a thing he said anyway.

I followed them to the entrance of the station and watched as the boy got in the backseat of the patrol car. I don’t remember if I waved to him or if he waved back, if I gave him any words of comfort. I don’t think I did. I just stood there as they drove away, and never saw him again after that. There would only be a handful or so cases I’d run at Cape Disappointment after this, but nothing like this one — at least, none that I can remember now.

Within a month, I would send in a request to my assignment officer for a new unit, and 11 months later I would be transferred to Florence, Oregon, along the Siuslaw River, a few hours south along the coastline. The Coast Guard Station there does not deal with nearly as many cases, and none as dangerous as those at Cape Disappointment. There, at Station Siuslaw, I would advance to chief, a command position, and would no longer be on the front line in those kinds of situations.

I would no longer have to make the call to let one person die in order to protect others.

I would no longer drive out into twenty-foot swells to rescue capsized boats, no longer save lives, though I would never really stop thinking about it.

One morning, a couple months into my new tour, I was running along the beach and thought of that Russian boy and his sister.

It paralyzed me for a little while. I stopped dead in my tracks and had to sit down and let the feeling of anxiety and grief pass. I would never have guessed then how the memory of that case would live on inside me, casting a shadow over my life. My mind replayed the sounds — the awful feeling of listening to her drowning, the way her screams got quieter as if her voice were an object slowly shrinking until it became the size of a tiny grain of sand as it sank to the bottom of the ocean.

And I would never forget those red shoes. n ••• Photos Courtesy of Chris D’Amelio

COMMUNITY NEWS

BamBoo Giant January: Positive o t Parenting Month Events pen for

J

anuary is Positive Parenting Awareness Month, thanks to a proclamation by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors for the 12th consecutive year. This means families can look for events at libraries and family resource centers.

The 2024 proclamation acknowledges how the atmospheric river events, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and inflation have exacerbated worries about mental health, economic insecurity, housing, and safety experienced by many families – particularly among Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, and other families of color that already experience inequities rooted in structural racism.

The most important job caregivers and parents have is to raise children and youth to become healthy, confident, capable individuals.

Families come in many forms, with children raised by parents, grandparents, foster parents, family members, and other caregivers.

The quality of parenting is a powerful predictor of future social, emotional, and physical health.

Santa Cruz County families can receive support from Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County’s Health Services Agency, Human Services Department, and Probation, and community organizations.

“Parenting is one of the most difficult roles a person can take on,” said David Brody, executive director of First 5 Santa Cruz County.

“The Triple P program is something that can help with parenting questions and worries, big or small. Families can receive support for raising healthy, thriving children through Triple P and other programs offering home visiting, early learning and care, afterschool care, preventive health and dental care, behavioral

LarGest DispLay of BamBoo in america health care, economic supports and other basic needs.”

Since 2010, nearly 50,000 parents, children, and caregivers have benefitted from the program in Santa Cruz County.

Triple P offers virtual and in-person parenting classes in English and Spanish. Visit www.first5scc.org/triple-p-classes n ••• Laid Back Book Club at the Libraries (in English and Spanish): Participate in a familyfriendly book activity. Read together and express your reflections inspired by the featured book, using art supplies provided by the library.

Enter your name into the raffle box by Feb. 1 for a chance to win the books! Participating libraries include Watsonville Public Library and Branciforte, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley libraries.

Community Bridges Family Fairs: Explore local agencies and their services, meet the Triple P Parent Educators, and enjoy food, games, and prizes! Fairs take place the second and fourth Saturdays in January: Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Beach Flats Park, 160 Raymond St., Santa Cruz Jan. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., La Manzana Community Resources, 521 Main St., Watsonville

Survey: Retirees Plan to Go Back to Work

O

ne in eight retired Americans say they are “very” or “somewhat likely” to go back to work next year, according to a survey of 500 people by ResumeBuilder. com, which offers resume templates and career advice.

Of this group, 61% say they may return to work due to inflation and increased cost of living.

Other reasons retirees are they did not save enough money for retirement or to combat boredom.

Among those considering a return to work, 78% are very or somewhat enthusiastic. However, two in three retirees who want to go back to work say they fear age bias will affect their prospects.

“Clearly the driving factor for a majority

ours

of seniors returning to work is financial but this is not the only reason for many. In my own practice, I often meet with retirees who find that they miss the camaraderie of working with others. Many still want to be in the game and are not ready to just play golf.

Many are excited about trying something new or something they always wanted to explore,” says ResumeBuilder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller.

Among those who plan to go back to work, 59% say they will seek a job in a new industry, 14% say they will go back to their previous place of employment, and 27% say they will seek a new employer in the same industry.

“Retirees” page 27

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CALIFORNIA NEWS

Looking for Hospital Prices?

Federal Law May Help A

ttorney General Rob Bonta reminds Californians of their right to access hospital price information online pursuant to federal regulations that took effect Jan. 1, 2021.

“Families across our state face dire economic stress due to surprise healthcare costs,” said Bonta. “We are pulling back the curtain and ensuring Californians know their right to price transparency, which allows them to make the best-informed decisions on their care. Californians who believe they have been the victim or target of deceptive, misleading, unfair, or unlawful conduct should immediately file a complaint at oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaintagainst-business-or-company.”

Since 2021, a significant number of hospitals, including those in California, have refused to comply, according to Bonta.

In 2022, the regulations were amended to increase penalties for noncompliance, but recent reports indicate many are still not in compliance.

The federal government requires hospitals to publish online annually the price of all their items and services, such as supplies and procedures, room and board, facility fees, physician professional charges, and shoppable services, such as imaging and laboratory services, medical and surgical procedures, and outpatient clinic visits. Anyone seeking

A

medical attention should research price transparency information that should be available: A Description of Each Item, Service, or Shoppable Service: This may include any code used by the hospital for accounting or billing purposes.

• Gross Charge: The charge that applies absent any discounts.

• Payer-Specific Negotiated Charge: The discounted rate the hospital has

negotiated with a third-party payer, such as your medical insurer. Each charge must be clearly associated with the name of the third-party payer and plan.

• De-Identified Minimum Negotiated Charge: The lowest charge the hospital has negotiated with a third-party payer, including with your medical insurer.

• De-Identified Maximum Negotiated Charge: The highest charge the hospital

has negotiated with a third-party payer, including with your medical insurer.

• Discounted Cash Price: The price for those who pay cash. Hospitals that do not provide a cash discount for a shoppable service must provide the gross charge for the service.

How to Shop: • Price information for hospital services are required to be posted online, typically on the hospital’s website. Most hospitals place this information in the patient billing section of their website.

Most hospitals have search functions on their website to help with searching.

• When comparing price information, look at the discounted cash price the hospital charges and your medical insurer’s negotiated rate with the hospital.

• Compare prices for planned surgeries and medical procedures. Look up the prices of what other medical providers charge and use those prices to negotiate.

Third-party online healthcare price checking platforms can help. n ••• If you believe that a hospital is not complying with these requirements, you may file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at https:// surveys.cms.gov/jfe/form/SV_5db4s0KOvVns5gy or a consumer complaint with https://oag.ca.gov/contact/ consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company

State to Transfer 40 Acres in Inyo County to Paiute Tribe

fter years of discussion, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces plans to transfer 40-plus acres of the historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery in Inyo County to the Fort Independence Indian Community, which is recognized as one distinct separate tribal government of the four Owens Valley Paiute Tribes.

The Wildlife Conservation Board approved the no-cost transfer in November. When the transfer is complete, it will mark CDFW’s first ever land return to a California Native American tribe.

“This act is momentous and aligns with many ambitions laid out for California by this Administration,” said CDFW Director Charlton Bonham. “It honors Gov. Newsom’s Executive Order encouraging the transfer of excess lands to California Native American tribes and it is a nature based solution that contributes to the goals of 30x30. I am proud to be a part of this transfer.”

The historic hatchery structures, residences and other buildings cover 19 acres.

The remaining 21+ acres have native plant vegetation including shrubland, and oak and willow riparian habitat adjacent to Oak Creek. Willow flycatcher, a specialstatus species, is known to use property as habitat.

20 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Water is an integral part of Paiute culture, history and social structure,” said Tribal Chairman Carl Dahlberg.

“Our Indigenous Paiute members settled on the banks of the Oak Creek since time immemorial and these lands have always

been sacred to our people. Our worldview values the delicate ecosystem which connects us to this land which traditionally was a cultivation site for indigenous plants, such as taboose and nahavita. This property is inextricably intwined into who we are as Paiute people and we hope to bring this knowledge and history back to the community through the preservation of the Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery.”

Owned by CDFW since 1916, the hatchery historically produced different trout species for planting until whirling disease was discovered there in 1984.

Because the disease does not infect eggs, production of trout eggs continued there until 2007. In July 2008, the property was severely damaged from flood and mudslide and temporarily closed to the public.

An interpretive center operated by the Friends of Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery remains open today.

The Tribe is committed to protecting wildlife habitats and native plants, using the resources prudently and making the property open to all. n

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Want to Stop an Airline Merger? Here’s How

By Christopher Elliott

I

f the latest wave of proposed airline mergers have left you a little worried, then you have a good memory.

Historically, airline mergers are terrible for passengers. And the latest two — the proposed combination of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, and of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines — are no exception.

“Passengers should be very skeptical of airline mergers,” says Tolga Turgut, an associate professor at Florida Institute of Technology’s College of Aeronautics. “They usually lead to bigger companies trying to monopolize certain routes and regions.

Monopolies or duopolies in turn usually lead to market abuse, price gouging, and deteriorating quality of services.”

And customers are right to want to stop them. But how?

The Government is on Your Side

Passengers Feel Uncertain

The question is, are these pairings inevitable? Or is there something air travelers can do right now to stop these companies from merging?

Air travelers like Eloisa Hife want to know. She’s a frequent traveler on Alaska Airlines, and she was troubled when she

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

heard the airline was going to buy Hawaiian Airlines.

“It left me feeling a mix of apprehension and uncertainty,” she says.

Why? Hife recalls the mergers that came

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before that, including American Airlines and US Airways, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, and United Airlines and Continental Airlines. All of them promised lower fares and better service. But she says they actually delivered the opposite.

“These promises rarely translate into any tangible benefits for frequent fliers like me,” says Hife, the chief technology officer for a pet products website in Austin, Texas.

She’s right.

Are Airline Mergers Good for Passengers?

Airline mergers have harmed American air travelers on a breathtaking scale. A series of airline consolidations in the last two decades have left them with just four dominant carriers, which have raised prices and, with one notable exception, offered shamefully bad customer service.

“We haven’t had such a concentrated aviation industry in the United States in over 100 years,” says Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project.

These too-big-to-fail airlines deliver astonishing returns to their shareholders, but it comes at a high price. Passengers end up paying more and getting less because competition is all but eliminated. Research suggests that fares rise between 5 and 6 percent on overlapping or potentially overlapping routes, although the price increase has reportedly been higher after some of the latest mergers.

McGee says we’re caught in a “me-too” wave of smaller consolidations as airlines try to reach a critical mass to stay competitive.

But that doesn’t make these corporate marriages any different from past ones.

The net effect will be the same: fewer choices, higher fares.

Fortunately, air travelers have a powerful ally. The U.S. Departments of Justice and Transportation have finally drawn a line in the sand and sued to block the proposed JetBlueSpirit merger. The trial ended this month, and observers expect a ruling early next year.

In the past, the government stepped in to mitigate some of the worst effects of airline consolidation. For example, in order to approve the merger between American Airlines and US Airways, it mandated that the airlines divest themselves of some landing slots. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the huge problems created by the merger, like the loss of competition and, inevitably, higher fares.

Consumer groups are lining up against both mergers, too. Just this week, a coalition of seven organizations, including the American Economic Liberties Project, National Consumers League and Open Markets Institute, jointly sent a strongly worded letter to government regulators urging it to block the planned merger of Alaska and Hawaiian.

“Neither the airline industry nor American consumers can afford the further loss of airline competition that Alaska’s purchase of Hawaiian Airlines represents,” the consumer groups noted.

Ways to Fight Airline Mergers

You’ve probably heard a lot of so-called experts talking about the benefits of the latest mergers. The first step to fighting these mergers is to understand that the experts are not telling the truth. They’ll say whatever the airlines want them to, and they’ve never seen a merger they didn’t like.

To be clear, if any of the mergers on the table go through, your ticket prices will rise and service will go into freefall. So what can you do about it?

• If you’re a shareholder. If you hold shares in any of the airlines considering a merger, let the company know your misgivings. This may be difficult for you, since the value of your stock will be affected by the approval of the deal.

But what’s good for shareholders isn’t always what’s good for passengers.

• As a voter. In an election year, your elected representative might actually listen to you, as opposed to the donors who are pushing for these mergers.

Bonus points if your representative sits on one of the subcommittees with oversight of the airline industry.

“Stopping Mergers” page 26

COMMUNITY NEWS

Amanita Muscaria W ith recent rain and more in the forecast, wild mushrooms are popping up in our forests.

Stephanie Morway spotted this one in Aptos.

Amanita muscaria — so beautiful but toxic, also hallucinogenic.

Another name for it: Fly Agaric.

Debbie Viess was so intrigued she researched what is known about this mushroom around the world and wrote about it for the Bay Area Mycological Society.

Although a few believe it’s possible to detox via careful boiling or pickling, Viess does not recommend it. n See: www.bayareamushrooms.org/ education/further_reflections_amanita_ muscaria.html

Photo Credit: Stephanoie Morway

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

New Song: Good News, Great Joy T win Lakes Church in Aptos has released a new Christmas song: Good News Great Joy The song, which is available on YouTube, is a project of the Worship Music Team.

Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers, associate worship pastor, led the team and shared co-writing with Seth Condrey, Dave Kalani and Brandon Li.

Credits: Song produced and mixed by @briansteckler • Keys and String Arrangements by @briansteckler • BGV Arrangement by @shesajayneiac and @briansteckler • Drums by Dan Bailey • Electric

by Danny Donnelly • Violin by @ trentsmithmusic • BGVs by @ garrettnlackey, @gracelydia, @ shesajayneiac, @trentsmithmusic and @briansteckler • Lead vocal by @lizhunnicutt • Graphic design by @kela_ari • Video by @ theschlaepfer n

24 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers

“Youth in Crisis” from page 17 “Currently, Santa Cruz County has limited options for crisis support services for our youth. We recognize that our community is in need of these services and we are proud to step up and make this contribution,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “We believe there is a significant opportunity to impact outcomes and lives.”

The County of Santa Cruz is working to establish a permanent youth crisis stabilization and residential program at 5300 Soquel Ave., which is expected to open in 2025.

In the interim, this grant from Dominican Hospital aims to help bridge the gap and ensure that youth have access to quality behavioral health crisis support services, while minimizing the impact to emergency services.

Health Services Agency Director

Mónica Morales said, “We are grateful to Dignity Health Dominican Hospital for their generous grant to support the youth Crisis Diversion Project and for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. This grant will help provide vital services to our youth and families who are in crisis and struggling with behavioral health issues until we can launch our permanent youth Crisis Stabilization Program and Crisis Residential Program in 2025.”

Dominican Hospital conducts a triannual Community Health Needs Assessment to identify the top community health needs.

The most recent, in May 2022, identified behavioral health, tied with housing and homelessness, as the top community health need.

During the fiscal year 2023, Dominican Hospital provided more than $40 million in patient financial assistance and community benefit programs. n

“Currently, Santa Cruz County has limited options for crisis support services for our youth. We recognize that our community is in need of these services and we are proud to step up and make this contribution. We believe there is a significant opportunity to impact outcomes and lives.”

— Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, Dominican Hospital President

NATIONAL NEWS

I

Congressional Reps Target FAA for Noise Reform

n 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration began implementing the Next Generation air transportation system, changing the routes of airplanes on their approach to airports in Phoenix, then Baltimore, Boston, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco and subjecting some communities — including Santa Cruz County — to increased commercial jet flights and jet noise.

Attempts by local elected officials to negotiate changes with the FAA have been largely unsuccessful, sparking a string of lawsuits, but only one led to a U.S. appeals court ruling against the FAA. Now five members of Congress have introduced six pieces of legislation aiming to address community concerns about jet noise.

One critic, retired air traffic controller and whistleblower Jeff Lewis, contends the new system is not needed, that airport congestion is due to airline consolidation and maintaining the hubs, efficient for airlines but inefficient for travelers, which could be addressed by disincentivizing hubs.

U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco), Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley), and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) have introduced six pieces of legislation aiming to reduce excessive jet noise and ensure accountability from the Federal Aviation Administration to community concerns.

Congress is expected to consider the reauthorization of FAA aviation safety and infrastructure programs before the end of the year. This reauthorization will set aviation policy for the next five years.

These legislative introductions follow the single busiest day for air travel in American history, underscoring the need for action to bring relief to communities near flight paths.

“Excessive jet noise greatly impacts the quality of life for people who live near or under flightpaths to airports,” said Panetta.

“That’s why I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress for straightforward policy changes that would help make skies quieter and ensure more community input in the aviation decisions for flight patterns.”

“Since the FAA implemented NextGen in 2015, there has been an unprecedented increase in aircraft noise over communities throughout my Congressional District,” said Eshoo. “Excessive noise isn’t just a nuisance. It can cause serious and severe health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, or hearing loss, which is why my colleagues and I are introducing legislation

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that will require the FAA to prioritize noise reduction in addition to prioritizing aviation safety.”

“Research has shown that chronic, loud noise is more than just an annoyance: it interrupts sleep, damages hearing, and can increase the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks,” said Mullin, who represents constituents near San Francisco International Airport. “This legislation requires the FAA to prioritize noise-related health impacts, enables communities to engage with the FAA, establishes standards related to ground-based noise, and establishes a program at SFO to insulate hundreds of homes per year and to provide financial support to cities affected by noise. San Francisco and Peninsula residents are long overdue for some relief and deserve peaceful sleep.”

Cárdenas, who has three airports in his district, called the bills “commonsense solutions that will help address the noise concerns our constituents have expressed for years, improve requirements for the release of vital information to local communities and authorities, and grant airports more of a say over critical flight procedures.”

“Increases in air traffic and adjustments to flight paths continue to cause serious injury to the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout my own district and in many other areas around the country,” said Sherman, a member of the Congressional Quiet Skies Caucus.

“Flight Paths” page 27

ACROSS 1. Great divide 6. Priestly vestment 9. Took to court 13. Haile Selassie’s disciple 14. 10 decibels 15. *Appletini’s ____ schnapps 16. Rose oil 17. Maui garland 18. Birth-related 19. *Old Fashioned liquor option 21. *Gin+vermouth rosso+Campari 23. Not him 24. Bye, in Palermo 25. VA.gov beneficiary

65. Spy’s other name 28. Puerto follower 66. Knicks’ org.

30. Like Ferris Bueller 68. Give a speech 35. Exclude 37. “____ Your Enthusiasm” 69. Clan emblem 70. Party barrel 39. Green-light 71. Clean a spill (2 words) 40. Tiny coffee cup, or 72. Part of pump ____-tasse 73. Sargasso or Barents 41. Cut mission short 74. Same as apse 43. Not final or absolute 44. Makes a sweater 46. Wing-shaped DOWN 47. Bird, in Latin 1. Sticking point, in 48. One with drug alimentary tract dependency 2. Possesses, archaic 50. Do like a frog 3. *Bellini with ____ 52. A U.S. time zone Spumante 53. Dance with #17 Across 4. Squirrel away 55. Anatomical duct 5. a.k.a. felt-pen 57. *It usually comes in a 6. Competently conical glass 7. Motley Crue’s Tommy 61. *Popular cocktail mixer ____

42. Crossbeam 8. Russian pancakes 45. Religious split 9. Practice in the ring 49. 252-gallon wine cask 10. As far as (2 words) 51. *Tequila+grapefruit 11. Distinctive flair juice+sparkling water 12. Place for a hero 15. Fluffy sweater material 54. Kind of golf course 20. “All My Children” vixen 56. Razor sharpener 57. S.A.T. section ____ Kane 22. 2010 Movie “____ Pray 58. Balm ingredient 59. Baptism or shiva, e.g.

Love” 60. Asian weight unit 24. Toyota model 61. John Galsworthy’s “The 25. *Moscow Mule spirit Forsyte ____” 26. Make corrections 62. Nukes 27. Shy 63. Sewing case 29. *____ Libre 64. Gym set 31. Forearm bone 67. *____’s Knees 32. Not dead 33. Honkers 34. *Lemon or orange piece 36. South American monkey © Statepoint Media 38. Highlands hillside

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 25

The Year that Was, from Earth to Air, & the Magic & Gifts of Each Sign Esoteric Astrology • January 2024 • By Risa D’Angeles

W

e begin the new year of 2024 under a stationing (standing still) Mercury. A Mercury station means anything could occur in the coming year. Life itself becomes life unexpected. In addition, 2024 will be the most important election year of our lives — and we (history books) will look back and say “that was the crazy year that was.” The absurdity of what we have been listening to, witnessing and experiencing the past eight years has been, well, absurd, to say the least, if not unbelievable.

In looking back at these years, and gazing into the future, one can say there is definitely purpose in these unprecedented times, a purpose that humanity must come to know. Absurdities help humanity choose which path to follow. This way, or that (way). And in this voting year, the choice of this president or that president (the false one or the real).

We are at the end of an age. There is always confusion, difficulties and chaotic unrest at the ending of an age. And evil shows its face.

What do we know about 2024? The words most applicable would be “acceleration, a quickening, speeding up, increases in velocity, actions, speech and vibration and change occurring in the blink of an eye!” These are ARIES

Creates the beginnings of things, has a fiery, quick thinking mind, does not exhibit patience (especially for slower signs Pisces, Taurus, Cap, etc.), is filled with enthusiasm which means “filled with God.” Using the “I” word constantly, Aries is always developing a sense of self or a new identity, amidst being competitive, aggressive, and an impulsive risk taker. The Hierarchy looks on to see if Aries is a good risk for them. Because Aries goes where even angels fear to tread. The Initiator.

TAURUS

Learning how to say “no” is a gift. The word “no” is often the first word Taurus says. People think Taurus, saying “no” so often, is stubborn, but that’s not the reality.

Taurus people think deeply before responding to questions. Their mind is based upon sensibility and practicality. Give them time to ponder on all aspects of the question before answering (and saying “yes”). Taurus loves gold and beautiful (Venus) things. Gold is valuable, and like Taurus, is a serious and long-lasting investment. Taurus illuminates the minds of humanity.

They begin with themselves first. Quietly. The Illuminator.

GEMINI

Aquarian words. Pluto has been in Capricorn, an earth (slow, Saturn) sign for the last 14 years (since 2008, financial crisis). Pluto leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius January 20, (next year), signifying a complete transformation of the social structure, and a in vibration for humanity and the earth. From slow earth to the lightness and movement of wind and air. The beginning of a new era, epoch, threshold and entryway into an unknown world. As the Pisces Age is succeeded by the Aquarius Age we will see a gradual “rising up of humanity with healing in its wings.”

At each new year we walk with the Three Magi Astrologer Kings to Bethlehem (House of Bread) to offer gifts to the Holy Child (“light of the world”). This is behind our gift giving during Christmas and on a deeper level, reminds us that we too are gifts (magical gifts). Each sign we were born under holds a gift. So at the beginning of each new year it’s good to review what these signs and gifts are - gifts of self which we offer to each other and to the world. Each sign has a name, a magical gift and a task. (Continue to follow Risa daily on FB, NLN, & various other social media sites as the year unfolds.) Happy & Peaceful New Year everyone!

LEO

The heart of the zodiac, its magical creative force flows through Regulus, the heart of Leo, which is also the heart of those born under Leo. It the star of magic (maga). Leos are the proud lions, the world their jungle. They have a strong will, a high forehead, signifying their great intelligence and sometimes they have big hair. Leos can be generous, dramatic, rather intense, over- confident, and at times a pain to everyone. They are leaders, need to be in charge, very creative to the point of inspiring others and sensitive like Cancer. Their purpose is to unfold and become aware of their innate talents and gifts, and offer them to humanity. They are a “child of the Sun, of fire.” The Lover.

VIRGO

They bring order and organization to our lives. Known as a perfectionist, the reality is they harbor, nurture and gestate a harmonious new state of reality. Hidden within Virgo is the Soul of humanity. However, before becoming aware of this, they are often critical, judgmental, opinionated and silently unappreciative. But this is just a stage and after awareness sets in, they become trustworthy, exploratory, appreciative and helpful. Virgo’s purpose is to create gardens, interact with the devas and inform humanity that “love underlies the happenings of the times.” The Mother.

CAPRICORN

The sign of self-reliance, like Taurus but different, Caps never ask for help for they must prove to themselves they’re independent, responsible, accountable, dependable and trustworthy. Often, no matter how much Caps accomplish, they feel unworthy and undeserving, judging themselves as not having done enough.

This is the lower level of Saturn. Caps need help understanding they are always on the Path, they always do enough (and more).

Having earned a starry place among their serving brothers and sisters in the heavens. Caps need to be reminded they are the “midnight rising sun, the Light Supernal.” The Temple Builder

LIBRA

Look at the shape of Gemini’s eyes. The eyes of Gemini are different than the other signs, except for the eyes of Aquarius. Gemini’s eyes ‘see” things others don’t see. They gather what is new, especially information in order to share it with others. Gemini is the messenger (Mercury), quite imaginative, sometimes a bit of a gossip, can be charming when it’s important and absent when it’s not. Gemini’s task and purpose, after dispensing information to the world, is to love beyond everyone else’s capacity. Sirius is Gemini’s guiding star. Gemini helps us become acquainted. The Messenger.

Libra is the life of the party, loves to play, have fun, be social, and create events where everyone comes together. They have a sense of fairness and justice. If they don’t see justice they set about changing things in order to bring forth a state of balance to everyone’s life – actually to life itself. Librans experience many relationships. Why? They’re learning how to be in relationships, learning how to choose, to discriminate between partners, to share and love and extend themselves so they can learn and radiate Right Human Relations. They are mediators, servers and bring beauty into the world. The Harmonizer.

CANCER

Scorpions experience deep, potent and emotional desires and feelings. Scorpios also have strong and powerful wills. Serious, determined, often reclusive, Scorpios are spectacular researchers. They are often, if not always, somewhat in a Halloween situation as they understand darkness, death and rebirth. They appear out of the ashes. They are the phoenix. On rare occasions, they ask others to walk with them through the darkness. Most everyone declines the invitation and withdraws. Scorpios never show weakness, take a long time to trust others, and can be harsh and undiplomatic (a stage). They suffer greatly and we find them deeply and profoundly admirable. The Disciple.

•••

SCORPIO

This water sign is truly a crab, in and out of the water, always circling whatever interests them, and never moving in a straight line. Cancer’s energy is circuitous in order to assess the safety and well-being of places, things, people, events, etc. When safety is assured, they then offer nurturing and nourishment to all beings – babies, people, animals, gardens, etc. Shy and evasive in public they are lively and talkative with those close to them. Flowing with the moon’s cycles and ocean’s tides, they are very very sensitive.

Neptune summons them. The Nourisher.

SAGITTARIUS

Known as the sign of Truth, Sags are like beams and arrows of light. They’re straightforward, uncomplicated, undemanding and supremely interested in the world. They’re always focused on what’s ahead, on the mountain top, over the plains toward a goal almost unreachable. This makes them adventurous, always on a journey somewhere. They are cultural, photographers, publishers, musicians, lovers of food. They need freedom. Their companion is Jupiter, the Lord of beneficence and joy. Sometimes, for little moments in time, they can also be sad. Sagittarius leads us to the mountaintop to the midnight Sun. The Way Shower.

AQUARIUS

Honest and sincere, understanding brotherhood and seeking freedom, bringing the future into the present, always different and slightly revolutionary, Aquarians are comforted by knowing everyone.

Everyone is their friend. It’s good being in their presence (parties, groups), as Aquarians are loyal and sympathetic (if their needs are met). These “waters of life” star children, thought of as eccentric, sometimes very determined, learn by being both alone and in groups and consider their work with seriousness. Aquarians are the “light that shines on Earth, across the sea.” They are the future. The Futurist.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

Very sensitive (like Cancer), a delicate fish (actually two), most comfortable in water (ocean, pools, river, lakes, rain), Pisces can suffer tremendously, not understanding life in form and matter.

Sometimes the fish finds themselves in places and positions not quite right, sometimes with broken feet and bones. This is frightful for them. The Talmud says that “Every blade of grass has its angel bending over it, whispering, ‘Grow, grow.’” Pisces has their angel, bending over them, too. To care and protection. It’s just invisible. The Compassionate One.

“Stopping Mergers” from page 22 • If you’re just watching. Even if you only fly occasionally, your voice is still important. You can send your comments to Jonathan Kanter at the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. I’ve heard from multiple sources that the government is interested in hearing from consumers on this issue.

“Consumers have a voice when it comes to airline mergers,” says Anthony Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, a company that advocates for air travelers. “It’s incumbent on passengers, workers, and others worried about the Alaska-Hawaiian merger to send your concerns to Jonathan Kanter at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division so that the Department of Justice can rely on real-world complaints to fight this latest battle in the war on competition.”

And what if the latest mergers somehow get approved? Well, there’s one last option available to you as a U.S. citizen. You can vote for candidates who promise to stop rubberstamping mergers and to protect competition — and American consumers. You’ll have an opportunity to do that in November 2024.

Elliott’s Tips

Passengers don’t have to accept the latest mergers as inevitable. Here are a few ways you can influence the outcome: Speak your mind. Write to your representative and contact government regulators now. Let them know how previous airline mergers have affected you and tell them how you feel about the latest combination. The government is listening.

Avoid monopolistic airlines. Don’t reward the monopolistic airlines with your business or your loyalty. Instead, go out of your way to fly one of the smaller carriers that retain their independent spirit — startups like Avelo or Breeze.

Leverage your loyalty. If you’re a frequent flier on Alaska or Hawaiian, now is the time to say something. If your loyalty program card is gold, silver or platinum, you should let your airline know what you think of its proposed merger. As an elite-level frequent traveler, you have the ear of your airline. n ••• Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org. https://www.elliott.org.

And what if the latest mergers somehow get approved? Well, there’s one last option available to you as a U.S. citizen. You can vote for candidates who promise to stop rubber-stamping mergers and to protect competition — and American consumers. You’ll have an opportunity to do that in Nov. 2024.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Junior Sanctuary Stewards Graduate S ave Our Shores celebrates the graduation of the latest crop of Junior Sanctuary Stewards who completed weeks of outdoor learning. This grantfunded program focused on two schools this past fall: North Monterey County Middle School in Castroville and Shoreline Middle School in Live Oak. North Monterey County had 13 weeks of programming with 35 students in the

program and A and B groups were rotated weekly. One student Elias raved, “I loved getting to hang out with my friends in cool places.”

Shoreline Middle School had 15 weeks with 31 students in the program. The 15 weeks were split into Session 1 and Session 2. Quinn, a student from Shoreline, said, “I liked how we got to go to a beach that is usually only accessible to researchers.” n

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“Flight Paths” from page 25 Panetta took the lead in introducing the following bills: • “Restore Everyone’s Sleep Tonight Act” or the “REST Act” — To authorize an airport to impose an access restriction for aircraft between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• “All Participating in Process Reaching Informed Solutions for Everyone Act” or the “APPRISE Act” — To require the FAA to ensure an aviation roundtable technical representative or consultant is allowed to participate in the Next Generation Air Transportation System performance-based navigation implementation process for new or modified flight procedures affecting their communities.

• “Responsive Employees Support Productive Educated Congressional Talk Act” or the “RESPECT Act” — To require the FAA to respond in writing within 90 days to requests for data and information from Congress.

• “Notify Officials To Inform Fully and Impel Educated Decisions Act” or the “NOTIFIED Act” — To require the FAA “Retirees” from page 19 Of this same group, 45% say they want to return to work in person, while 32% favor working remotely and 11% say they want to work hybrid.

This survey was commissioned by

to notify the public of any proposed new performance-based navigation flight procedure or flight procedure change affecting airspace at altitudes below 18,000 feet.

Representative Eshoo, supported by Panetta, Mullin, and Cárdenas, introduced: • The “Fairness in Airspace Includes Residents Act” or the “F-AIR Act” — To revise the priorities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in developing plans and policies for the use of navigable airspace to ensure safety, noise, health impacts, and environmental concerns are properly addressed.

Representative Mullin, supported by Panetta, and Eshoo — and all Bay Area members — introduced legislation targeting San Francisco International Airport (SFO): • The “Serious Noise Reduction Efforts Act” or the “SNORE Act” — To address noise mitigation through soundproofing and other strategies in the communities surrounding San Francisco International Airport. n ••• For more, see www.faa.gov/nextgen and https://nextgenrelief.org/ ResumeBuilder.com and conducted online by the survey platform Pollfish on Nov. 16. The respondents ranged in age from 62 to 85. To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.resumebuilder. com/1-in-8-retirees-plan-to-go-back-towork-in-2024/ n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by January 10

Over the past 15 years, the credit union has awarded $84,000 in scholarships.

COUNTY SEEKS LIVED EXPERIENCE EXPERTS The Housing for Health Partnership is seeking community members for two separate Lived Expertise and • NEW! Loma Prieta Elementary, Loma Prieta. 4 CRAB SEASON OPENS NORTH OF MENDOCINO JAN. 5 Youth Lived Expertise advisory groups, both to launch On Dec. 21, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Thursday evenings and one full Saturday. Begins in spring 2024.

Thursday, April 18 announced the commercial Dungeness crab fishing Once appointed, advisory group members will season will start Jan. 5 for fishing zones 1 and 2 (from the Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/CERTBasic#/ Sonoma/Mendocino County line to the Oregon/ California Sign up for the class you want using the class tab or drop-down work with like-minded individuals to recommend improvements to County leaders regarding Santa Cruz tab, not the landing page. border), while continuing the delay in fishing zones 3-6 County’s various housing systems, in an environment (south of Sonoma/Mendocino County). meant to develop leadership skills. The H4HP is CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS Santa Cruz County is in Zone 4 The commercial opener has experienced multiple delays Registration for the String Orchestra Program is underway. seeking people from different backgrounds and life experiences, including people who identify as LGBTQ+, this season due to a combination of excessive humpback Classes will begin Jan. 26 for 9 weeks on consecutive whale entanglements and high numbers of whale sightings Fridays in the Cabrillo College Music Building, VAPA 5000, from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and of different abilities and ages. plus a recent death of an endangered Pacific leatherback Aptos.

Robert Ratner, director of the County of Santa Cruz sea turtle that was entangled and drowned in commercial An entry level String Orchestra Class, 4th-6th Grade Housing for Health Division, said, “Together, this crabbing gear.

Beginning Strings for violin/viola/cello will be offered on CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TOUR diverse collective of individuals will use their voice The recreational fishery opened on Nov. 4 with hoop Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m.

Registration closes Monday, Jan. 15 and experience to make a difference.” nets, and the recreational crab trap prohibition was Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) Temple Beth El of Aptos and Chadeish Yameinu of Santa lifted for fishing zone 1 — the northern most waters off and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will be Friday, Advisory group members must be: • Currently Cruz are taking reservations for a weeklong trip March California. Recreational crab traps are still prohibited in Jan. 26, from 3:45-4:15 p.m. with a rehearsal following. experiencing or previously experienced home11-18 to learn more about the Jewish history of the lessness • Living in Santa Cruz County • Passionate zones 3 and 4 (Santa Cruz County).

Festival Strings will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and Cabrillo American South and the civil rights movement past and about being a part of collaborative community Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m.

The next assessment is scheduled for around Jan. 11. present. change • Ages 18 – 24 for the Youth Advisory String players ages 6 to 18 are welcome to join Meet veterans of the struggle, hear from organizations the String Orchestra and Chamber Music programs.

Group working to build upon a powerful legacy, and consider the CLAM CHOWDER COOKOFF COMING Register for the String Orchestra session by Jan. 12 at Advisory group members will be paid $25/hour for a The 43rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off, will be Saturday role of Jewish organizations today.

20-hour monthly commitment. Interest forms are due and Sunday, Feb 24 and 25, at https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings or call The price includes entrance fees, accommodations and Jan. 19 and can be found at: https://bit.ly/LivedExpertise the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or email extension@ meals, but not airfare.

ActionBoard Amateur chefs will compete cabrillo.edu .

The tour itinerary includes visits to the following places: The 5-week Chamber Music Program will begin on April on Saturday, followed by Birmingham Civil Rights Institute • Edmund Pettus APPLY FOR FOCUS AGRICULTURE CLASS professional chefs on Sunday. 12. Register by March 29.

Bridge • National Voting Rights Museum & Institute • Order your tasting kits and To participate in or support this program, call (831) 479-6101 or Due by Jan. 10 Legacy Museum • National Memorial for Peace and merch at www.cityofsantacruz. visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings.

Applications are due Jan. 10 to apply for Class 33 Justice (“Lynching Memorial”) • Civil Rights Memorial com/chowdermerch. Tasting of Focus Agriculture, a “first-in-the-nation” program, Center • Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and BAY FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST kits are $15 and include 6 designed for selected community leaders to learn Parsonage Museum • Freedom Rides Museum • Breman tasting tickets, a bowl, a spoon, a napkin, and a ballot to Application Deadline: Wed., Jan. 31 about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Jewish Museum • National Center for Civil and Human Valley.

Rights • Ebenezer Baptist Church • Martin Luther King Jr. vote for your favor-ite Boston and Manhattan Chowders! Bay Federal Credit Union is accepting applications for its Interested in competing in the cook-off? Register your 2024 Education Scholarship Contest.

This award-winning program consists of onceNational Historic Site • King Center team by Feb. 19 at https://beachboardwalk.com/ Up to three individual winners will be awarded $1,500 a-month daylong seminars, over a period of eight Shabbat services will be in Atlanta with The Temple, toward their education or career training expenses. months with many farm tours and hands-on experiCongregation Beth Averim, Atlanta Jews of Color Council, Clam-Chowder-Cook-Off/.

Acceptance or enrollment into a post-secondary education ences. Speakers, ranging from elected officials to Event details are at www.cityofsantacruz.com/chowder or call and musical guests. program at any accredited college, university, trade, or 420-5273. representatives from environmental groups, address technical school is required. the class.

RED CROSS NEEDS BLOOD The application process, which is now entirely digital, Sessions will begin March 15 and end Oct. 25.

This is a busy time for many. Holiday gatherings, travel and COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM The sessions cover such topics as: Environment seasonal illnesses can all impact donor availability, making CERT Basic Training is free. The 21-hour course is conducted includes a signed and completed application, proof of it hard for the Red Cross to collect enough blood. Donors by FEMA-certified instructors, with classroom and hands-on enrollment or letter of acceptance, and an original essay and technology, diversity of crops, ethnic groups in on the following topic: Building financial resilience. agriculture. training on weekday evenings and/or weekend days. are needed every single day.

Essays should explore ways in which one can Twenty people will be selected for Class 33.

Training covers: Disaster Preparedness, Fire SupThose who come to give cultivate financial resilience such as saving for emerAgri-Culture President Steve Bontadelli said, pression, Medical Aid, Search and Rescue, Disaster blood, platelets or AB Elite gencies or managing student loan debt. Applicants are “Many people who are involved in the community Psychology, & Terrorism Response, Team Organization, plasma through Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Red asked to share any personal anecdotes, research, or are interested in agriculture. Focus Agriculture was Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who Disaster Simulation innovative ideas that can inspire positive change when created to allow community leaders an opportunity to Upcoming Classes come to give Jan. 1-31 will be automatically entered for building financial resilience. learn, through discussions and hands-on experiences, • Market St. Senior Center, Santa Cruz, 4 Tuesday a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Applications are at bayfed.com/scholarships. A panel about local agriculture.” evenings and one full Saturday.

Class is filling quickly.

Vegas. Details are at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl. of judges will review and score each eligible applicant’s Alumni include: John Laird, secretary of California Begins Tuesday, Jan.16 Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor submitted materials.

Resources Agency; Jimmy Panetta, 20th District • NEW! Central Fire Admin Building, Live Oak. 4 App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS Winners will be notified via phone and/or email by congressman; 2nd District County Supervisor Zach Thursday evenings and one full Saturday. Begins (1-800-733-2767) April 30.

Friend,; 4th District County Supervisor Greg Caput; Thursday, Feb. 22 Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO, Second Harvest Food RESILIENT CENTRAL COAST PRIZES Bank; Ted Burke, owner, Shadowbrook Restaurant; The City of Capitola is part of the Resilient Central Coast SHE ADVENTURES FILM TOUR Bud Colligan, founder/CEO, South Swell Ventures; and Campaign, a 6-County collaborative effort from Santa Cruz Ceil Cirillo, Tannery Arts Center. to Ventura with the goal to activate 500,000 residents on the Saturday January 27 Applications are at http://www.agri-culture.us/news/ central coast by 2030 to prepare for climate change impacts. 7 PM, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz focus-agriculture-class-30/ or at the Agri-Culture office, The city is offering prizes for the first 28 households The She Adventures Film Tour announces its highly 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville and by calling (831) that sign up for Resilient Capitola! Join our community anticipated return for another year of celebrating and 722-6622. action challenge by taking simple steps in your home to honoring adventure women around the world. Join us in a combat climate change. To create your profile and start celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.

SOCIAL IMPACT TRAINING TO BEGIN recording your climate actions, visit http://tinyurl.com/ Born out of a desire to showcase the strong, inspiraApplication Deadline Fri., Jan 5. capitola-carbon-challenge. tional, adventurous women of the outdoor world, the She Radical Transformational Leadership for Social Impact will You can track our progress and see the impact. To Adventures Film Tour presents a carefully curated selection start a new cohort of training Jan. 18. claim your prize, stop into Capitola City Hall during of short films that will entertain, enthrall and enlighten.

Apply at https://www.impactlaunch.org/rtlregistration business hours and present your completed household Showcasing a 2 1/2 hours program of the most heartfelt, profile. inspiring and entertaining films celebrating adventurous women from independent filmmakers around the globe.

SENIOR OUTREACH Available prizes include 2 tumblers, 9 packs of reusable straws, Visit https://www.riotheatre.com for tickets and list of films.

12 beeswax wrappers, and 5 reusable shopping bags (first come, Tickets $20 plus fees. A portion of ticket sales benefit Girls Rock — Womens Mountain Biking Family Service Agency of the Central Coast offers first serve) Senior Outreach, peer counselors to help adults 55 28 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR and up maintain their independence and a higher quality of life.

Family conflict? Seasonal depression? Isolation and loneliness? Accepting changes? Peer counselors offer help at no cost. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.

Call: 831-459-9351

No tickets required, although seating is limited; first come, first served.

Cash donations welcome at the door. For info: https://bit.ly/ Jan2024-Lecture

Wednesday January 10

METRO: MORE FREQUENT SERVICE; FREE THRU JAN 4 Ends Wednesday, March 13

Santa Cruz Metro is revamping bus routes and frequencies, and La Selva Beach residents are celebrating the return of bus service after a decade without. A “small but important victory,” according to Dody Anderson, who reports 29 residents rode the bus to and from Capitola in a festive mood. More group trips are planned.

Major changes include: New Routes 1, 2, 3, and 73, which replace Routes 10, 66, 68, 69A, 69W, and 71; the return of the Watsonville/Santa Cruz Express.

Route 1 — Soquel/Cabrillo/ Airport: This new route follows the route of discontinued Route 71 from Santa Cruz to Cabrillo College, then roughly the route of discontinued route 69A from Cabrillo College to Watsonville.

Route 2: This new route mainly follows the route of discontinued Route 69W, but with some segments that used to be Route71.

Route 3A/3B — UCSC/Capitola Mall/Live Oak: This new route offers direct service from Capitola Mall, Live Oak, and Seabright to UCSC by combining segments of Live Oak routes 66 and 68 with former UCSC Route 10 that ran via High St. Route 73 — Soquel/Freedom/ Cabrillo: This new route provides service along Freedom Blvd and Soquel Drive from Watsonville Transit Center to Cabrillo College, replacing the discontinued Route 71 between Freedom Blvd/ Airport Blvd and Soquel Dr. Route 90X — Watsonville/Santa Cruz Express Service: Route 90X brings back express service between Watsonville and Santa Cruz. This new route serves limited stops in Watsonville and Santa Cruz, but travels mainly on Highway 1.

View the new schedules and maps to see the changes in detail. https://scmtd.com/en/

TITANS OF TECH 6-8 p.m., Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz Every year, Santa Cruz Works honors people who have ONGOING EVENTS contributed to the growth of the local tech and entrepreMondays neurial community.

BRIDGE CLUB This year’s Titans of Tech will be at Kuumbwa Jazz 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Center.

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club Tickets are $25 at https://www.santacruzworks.org/ sessions on Mondays (except holidays). news/tot2023awardees Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social Honorees players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

• Alexi Sevastopoulos — Founding Member, Armature Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz Systems | SCU Venture Accelerator | Santa Clara County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Ventures | Santa Cruz Ventures Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

• Cameron Pye — Co-Founder Unnatural Products Inc. Third Thursdays • David Lee — Assistant Professor, Computational Media at UC Santa Cruz • Ethan Rublee — Founder of farm-ng SIP AND STROLL • Juliane Farrand — Head of People, Joby Aviation 6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old • Jorian Wilkins — Executive Director, Downtown Dominion Court, Aptos Association of Santa Cruz Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for • Marco Rolandi — Co-Founder, Cruz Foam and a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer their works. Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person.

• Shanta Bodhan — Director of CX at Talespin Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-stroll• Sri Hastuti Kurniawan — Professor of the Computatickets-668910307737 tional Media Department, Baskin Engineering, University Second Friday Each Month of California Santa Cruz • Susana Ruiz — Co-founder of Take Action Games NEW BRIDGE GROUP and Assistant Professor of film and digital media at the 10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. University of California, Santa Cruz Come for bridge on the second Friday of each month from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.

TEXTILE ARTS GUILD MEETING First meeting was Oct. 13. Bette Harken, 9:30 a.m.–Noon, 225 Rooney St., Santa Cruz Master Bridge player, will give an introduction for Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild will meet at 225 Rooney beginners.

St., Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

The meeting will feature a presentation by Youngmin Lee, MFA, who will lecture and show her DATED EVENTS work on Bojogi, (Korean wrapping cloth), using handPajaro Valley Arts: 40 Years of Inspired Expression Saturday February 3 stitched remnants as an act of wishing recipients commemorates PVA’s history while also looking forward Monday January 1 FLY FISHING FUNDRAISER happiness. to its future.

FIRST DAY HIKES 5 p.m., Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun, 557 ½ Lakeview Road, More information: santacruztetileartsguild.com https://pvarts.org Visit http://tinyurl.com/SCparks-First-Day-Hikes for more Watsonville information.

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club will host its annual Thursday January 18 Monday January 22 California State Parks wants you to kick off 2024 in fundraising dinner at Pajaro Valley PVUSD: SUBSTANCE ABUSE TALK a healthy way and enjoy the fresh air with the annual LUNCH WITH ZACH FRIEND Rod & Gun. Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos First Day Hikes, on Monday, Jan. 1. Currently, more Time TBA, Online Event The dinner will feature grilled than 60 state parks will be participating, with over 80 Second District Supervisor Zach Friend will be the guest The Mini Monday evening session for parents will be wild-caught Alaskan salmon, door speaker at the Aptos Chamber’s luncheon on Thursday, guided hikes taking place across the state. dedicated to addressing substance abuse. prizes and a huge raffle.

Jan.18, at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Nature has been proven to boost our moods and Safe RX Santa Cruz County will be the guest presenter at Tickets are $40 online at: santacruzflyfishing.org/ Aptos. make us feel healthy and exploring the outdoors is this virtual event. product-category/annual-fundraiser/ Attendees can look forward to an engaging the perfect way to start the new year.

The event will be available at https://www.pvusd.net/StudentsFamSeating will be limited, purchase your ticket now. discussion on key issues facing the community, Check out details below for start times and hike ilies/ParentsFamilies/Mini-Monday/ and can be viewed live or later. For information, visit Santacruzflyfishing.org n as well as an opportunity to gain insights into the descriptions. This year there is a more interactive upcoming year. map for visitors to search for hikes by park name, The price is $35. Sign up online at www.aptoschamber.com or county and region. call (831) 688-1467.

Visitors can share their experiences on social media using the hashtags: #HikeInto2024, #FirstDayHike2024, #HikeWithCAStateParks and #CAStateParks.

Sunday January 21 ‘40 YEARS OF INSPIRED EXPRESSION’ OPENING RECEPTION 2 to 4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden St., LECTURE: ETRUSCAN CITY OF THE DEAD Watsonville The next exhibit at Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery will 6:30–8:30 p.m.. Cabrillo College VAPA Forum, Room 1001, be “40 Years of Inspired Expression,” the annual Aptos members’ exhibit curated by Tim Sterling, from Jan. The first Art History lecture of 2024 sponsored by 17 to Feb. 25.

Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is “Cerveteri: For the past 40 years, PVA has presented extraorEtruscan City of the Dead” 6:30 - 8:30 pm Sunday, dinary artworks in exhibitions that honor emerging Jan. 7, at Cabrillo College VAPA Forum, Room 1001, voices and established artists in the Pajaro Valley and Aptos. beyond.

Art and Architectural historian from UC Santa Cruz, Allan Langdale, will discuss some of the more remarkable This is a significant anniversary, at a significant time, when more and more we rely on art to help us make tombs of the necropolis of Cerveteri, one of the most sense of a complex and the uncertain world. striking archaeological sites in Italy.

Sunday January 7

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Reflections on my 11th Year

A

s I begin each new year as your County Supervisor, I like to report back in this column on some of the things we’ve accomplished because of your partnership and your communication of priorities.

2023 saw some historic challenges including significant cleanup and rebuilding efforts after the storms but also some key investments — in roads, parks, libraries and more. Overall, even with this progress, we still have a number of challenges in our community — from affordable housing and homelessness challenges, to rebuild efforts continuing from the storms and the CZU fires, to the long-term health of Watsonville Hospital and the overall local healthcare network, to traffic and road issues.

While the past year presented challenges, as a community we still accomplished a lot. Here is a very small overview of what was accomplished in our district in 2023 and a window into what we will continue to work on, together in my last year as County Supervisor, in 2024.

South County Investments: Work continued to bring a new South County Service Center — a full-service County government building similar to the one in downtown Santa Cruz.

The new center, located on Westridge Drive in Watsonville, will bring County services to residents in the southern and mid-county areas in ways never previously experienced.

This will save on commutes and provide direct access to health, human services, public safety and many other services. We anticipate this opening in 2024.

Using local, state and federal funding, we began the process of improvements along Green Valley Road. This project includes construction of a 10-foot wide paved pathway along the side of Green Valley Road from Holohan Road to Mesa Verde Drive (following the existing path alignment).

This will greatly improve bike/pedestrian safety along that stretch. In addition to the path, the project will include improved road crossings, bus shelters, landscaping, and art installations.

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Local Roads: Measure D work continued this year in Seacliff and La Selva with significant work along San Andreas and Buena Vista, throughout residential areas in Seacliff and some areas that we share with the Fourth District on Green Valley Road and Airport.

New beacon crosswalks were installed on Soquel and we are working on grant funding to expand the beacon (lit) crosswalks and expect to have more installed in 2024.

Storm damage repairs have continued, both from the 2017 storms and the 2023 storms throughout the district. Tree work (to prevent road blockages and downed power lines) — in particular in La Selva — was conducted in advance of our winter.

As I’m sure you’ve noticed with the increased construction traffic, we are making generational improvements ($107 million in State Congested Corridors funding) along Soquel including new bike and pedestrian safety measures and road improvements.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, Highway 1 improvements have begun, which include a new auxiliary lane and bike/pedestrian overdressing at Chanticleer. These improvements are decades overdue and will make real improvements in traffic flow and bike/pedestrian safety.

Flood Control: One of the greatest accomplishments this year follows one of the greatest heartbreaks — and that was the signing of the federal agreement that brings us into the construction phase for the Pajaro River Levee.

The nearly $600 million project will move into the construction phase and not a day too soon — with the tragedy and damage from last year’s storms and work on repairs is underway (with one of the three damaged areas completed) with the other two sites to be completed soon.

This is unquestionably the project I’ve worked on the most over the last 11 years and it is important for current and future generations in South County to have this levee rebuilt.

Parks: This year we made significant progress on the reimagining of Willowbrook Park in memory of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller.

30 / January 1st 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

A new playground, flag pole area and seating area was installed — including new accessible features to make the park more welcoming for visitors of all abilities. We expect the reflection and memorial area to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

Additionally, we set aside funding for a complete remodel of one of the baseball fields at the Polo Grounds — the project is under construction and will be completed before Little League starts up in a few months.

Funding was also set aside for future improvements to the park adjacent to Rio Del Mar Elementary — in partnership with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Libraries: Major steps have been taken toward fulfilling the promises of Measure S. The Aptos Branch remodel could be completed by the end of this year (with an opening in early 2024).

We’ve been sharing photos of the stunning features, which include high ceilings, lots of natural light, a new children’s room and more. It was expected to open in fall of this year but a few challenges pushed that back.

The remodel follows La Selva and Capitola branch libraries that reopened over the last few years after their remodels.

Economic Development: The longawaited Phase 2 of the Aptos Village project is under construction with an expected opening date in Spring of 2025.

It will include new shops and housing units. Additionally, some new tenants are coming into the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center and a number of new small businesses have opened up throughout our district.

Community Meetings and Outreach: In 2023, we continued community meetings throughout the district. Community and neighborhood meetings were held in Seacliff, La Selva, Rio Del Mar, Watsonville, Capitola and Corralitos — as well as joint meetings with other entities in Santa Cruz.

I travelled to Sacramento multiple times to testify on behalf of County-funding and program issues in the State budget as well as travelled to Washington, DC to continue to advocate for FEMA reimbursements, Pajaro River work and (most recently) on our County’s new Artificial Intelligence policy work.

In addition, I’ve written approximately 50 columns in local papers (like this one) and neighborhood newsletters to communicate with our district about county happenings while maintaining social media presence to share information about our district.

Moving Forward: The above is just a partial list of what has been accomplished this year and I know there is a lot more to do on all of these issues in 2024.

Looking forward to my final year as your County Supervisor, we can expect the new library to come online, the next phase of the Aptos Village to be nearly completed, new park improvements to be completed, new affordable housing developments to begin, some of the major Highway 1 and Soquel work to be completed and much more.

This past year, we estimate that as an office we received over 25,000 emails and calls from constituents and the communityat-large many with requests for service to our office on storm damage and emergency preparedness, road issues, neighborhood public safety concerns, environmental issues, PG&E outages, library remodeling, the Watsonville Community Hospital, behavioral health issues, criminal justice reform efforts, hotel and development projects, Internet access and more. n ••• As always, I appreciate your feedback. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200 to let me know your priorities in my final year.

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

CARE: One Year Later

By Carla Christensen

M

y term as president of the Soquel Creek Water District’s Board of Directors has ended and this is an opportunity to recap 2023, return to a regular seat on the board and welcome Dr. Bruce Jaffe as the incoming board president and Director Rachél Lather as vice president for 2024.

In January 2023 I focused on four areas summarized in an acronym: CARE — Carla Christensen (C) Collaboration, (A) Adaptation, (R) Resiliency, and (E) Economics/Environment. I chose these topics because they encapsulate the principles behind SqCWD’s mission to truly care about our community, our water, our economy and the environment. Here is an update on our progress during the past year: Collaboration ollaboration with our neighboring communities and fellow water agencies intensified this year, with the receipt of a nearly $8 million grant from the state of California to be shared by our District, the City of Santa Cruz, the County of Santa Cruz, and the Central Water District.

A portion of these funds is being used to study the optimization of all our water resources for the betterment of our communities, and the sustainability of our water supply.

This research is under way and should provide us with important information, as well as some conclusions that will allow us to take planning actions in late 2024/early 2025.

In addition, we continue to collaborate with the City of Santa Cruz to study the feasibility and efficacy of water exchanges between our two jurisdictions. Studying water exchanges with Santa Cruz, and the Optimization Study, both underscore how critical regional solutions are for managing the health of our entire groundwater basin.

Adaptation he Pure Water Soquel (PWS) project construction is almost complete, despite delays caused by the COVID pandemic and supply chain issues.

A special holiday thank you goes out to our general manager and staff who persevered through these obstacles to keep this important project on schedule as much as possible, while also carrying out their day-to-day duties to keep our water district running smoothing and delivering water to our customers.

Once this project is operational in 2024, the District will transform from being solely a groundwater-based water provider to a fullfledged groundwater replenishment district that will be putting water back into the basin,

C

T

Christmas Gingerbread!

his holiday week our Pet of the Week is Gingerbread the bunny! (A#307346) He is an unaltered boy rabbit who came in as a stray at the end of November.

He is a festive guy who loves presents (of lettuce and apple), enjoys singing carols and just jumping around with holiday joy!

He is the friendliest little bunny and cuddling and warm snuggles are his favorite.

Come in and meet Gingerbread to brighten up your new year!

SCCAS is closed to the public Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. n ••• The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us.

You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events.

••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Website: www.scanimalshelter.org SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

crossword on 25 »

T Cocktails © Statepoint Media

for the benefit of all residents who rely on our Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin.

Resiliency limate change is testing the world’s water resiliency in general and within our Basin specifically. More than 70% of the world’s coastal communities are experiencing the threat of contamination due to seawater intrusion.

In response to this threat PWS, our main resiliency project, was designed with the capability to double its purified water production – when it might be needed – in response to the vagaries of climate change and/or other water needs.

Even in this El Niño Year, the first three months of our rainy season have been drier than normal. We should all acknowledge that the drought/deluge whiplash is likely to continue in the foreseeable future and we need to be prepared.

Economics/Environment continue to believe we can be good stewards of the environment as well as support a vibrant local economy.

In Fall 2023 the District convened an Ad Hoc Water Rates Advisory Committee to gain customer input from our water users and also to help customers understand the rate-setting process.

The customers who provided their insights were great to work with, they did their homework and drilled down into the issue of fairness, based on the imperative that future rates be as fair as possible for all ratepayers, meet state requirements, and provide an awareness of water conservation.

With the help of a rate consultant, the District thoroughly examined costs and identified possible savings. It will be necessary to raise rates in the coming year, but the Rate Committee and District staff made a concerted effort to make this fair and equitable for families.

For example, our Finance Manager Leslie Strohm worked with the state to implement a program to help low-income customers — the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which offers a one-time payment to help you pay your pastdue water or wastewater bills. This helps pay overdue bills which accrued during any time-frame.

There is no date restriction for when the overdue amount occurred. Anyone needing water bill support should check this out on the District website: soquelcreekwater.org In closing, I would like to acknowledge the community for its support and thank you for your confidence in the direction we are headed as a Board and District. I would also like to thank my colleagues on the Board for their support and their confidence in allowing me to serve as Board President. n

C

I

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2024 / 31

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